Howdy.. wanted to introduce myself... Im Lake... I live in East Texas.

I got into Straight shaving a few months back... started off with the dreaded Zeepk.... then added blades from the local antique shops and flea markets.

I stumbled my way into getting my blades sharp... and have just recently been thoroughly pleased with the result. The thing is... I dont have a good stone for honing... but I have come up with something that is "working"

I take in the antique blades and work out any nicks and set a bevel with a 600 diamond stone (Eze Lap)... then when I have that... I take a good piece of cowhide and rub some MAAS on it. I lay the leather out flat on the counter and strop the razor on it for like 100 passes. When that is complete... the bevel is without any of the marks from the diamond stone. I then take and strop it out.

They pass the hair cut test.

So I guess...Im wondering if I am way off by thinking that I can pretty much skip out on the hone completely doing this? Is there something amiss about doing this...may be something that will harm the razor over time or wear improperly?

anyone else do anything like this?