Thread: Honing?

Hey everybody,
I purchased a new DOVO Balckstar and it pulled like mad when shaving. Now at that point I hadnt watched Lynn's video, but now I've watched it and honed my razor. It cut much better, but still not what it could I know. Can I immediately try to rehone it again? How long has it taken some of you to get proficient at honing a razor?

Yes, you can re-hone again. You don't want to know the answer to your second question. On average it takes about 6 months to learn. If I told you how long it took me to learn with all the different types of blades out there you'd either laugh or cry. Lets just say it was an election year when I started, hows that.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Yes, you can re-hone again. You don't want to know the answer to your second question. On average it takes about 6 months to learn. If I told you how long it took me to learn with all the different types of blades out there you'd either laugh or cry. Lets just say it was an election year when I started, hows that.

Dewey vs. Truman?




Do just a little more at a time and do a lot of test shaves to fine tune the razor. Your close, just not perfect yet.

Oh your soooooo funny!

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Dewey vs. Truman?




Do just a little more at a time and do a lot of test shaves to fine tune the razor. Your close, just not perfect yet.

Don't prematurely age the man...I am certain he is referring to Eisenhower's first term!

By the way, I'm using a Norton 4000/8000 and then my great grandfathers Franz Swaty which does have some nics on the edges. Could those nics be doing damage. I also picked up 5 different starights from antique shops and paid total of 50. I've tried honing two of those but I think they need more luvin care than just a hone.

Yea, we need to change the topic. The nicks probably are not causing any damage.

Since you have access to a Swaty, my favorite tool for this, here's what I would do. Since the razor is shaving, just not comfortably or well, I start at the sink. I lather up with my favorite lather, Take the razor and give it about five slow passes on the wet Swaty, then take one short swipe down my cheek, paying close attention to my technique. If the razor doesn't feel great, I do three strokes on the Swaty and then another short stroke on my cheek with identical technique. I repeat this until the shave is very close and the razor cuts easily. At this point the shave is really close but the razor feels usually feels a tad harsh. This harshness will be fixed on the strop at this point (my normal forty laps or so) then I will finish my first shave with my newly sharpened razor. I'd agree that the nicks on the stones edge wouldn't be any problem.

Yes, that worked well for me and Ike.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Yes, that worked well for me and Ike.

LOL