Thread: Where to Hone advice.

Hello. I am a newbie and am eagerly waiting on the arrival of a Wapienica that I've ordered from open_razor.

I know my new precious item will not be shave ready so I will need to have it honed. Since lurking here in the forums for a couple of weeks, the consensus is to have the razor honed by an experienced person for a first time user so they know the standard to strive for.

I live in Los Angeles and can take the razor to Ross Cutlery to have it honed for convenience, or would I be better served to send the razor to one of the honemeisters of this forum?

Since I'm new I felt it best to take things one step at a time. I still need to purchase a strop, but also have to watch my funds. I may see what they have at Ross or purchase a starter strop from Tony Miller.

Does Ross Cutlery specialize in razors or something?

Because if not you'll likely get sub-par honing, a honemeister is the safer bet.

Pick someone here. It's a better bet. I wouldn't imagine the folks at ross cutlery are going to shave test your razor. IMHO that is how you test. The only two I can personally vouch for are Floppyshoes and JoshEarl. They both delivered supremely sharp razors. On the topic of strops, just buy Tony's Heirloom strop and get the practice strop. It will save you money in the long run. The starter is great, but the practice is close and the heirloom is amazing. You'll buy it anyway, learn from my shortsightedness.

I'd say either Ross Cutlery, or David (heavydutysg135, hope I got it right). If I were you I'd pick David (he's in LA), if he's got some time he can probably give you a quick lesson on stropping and honing. Otherwise see if Ross Cutlery will let you watch as they hone it.

And yes Ross Cutlery reportedly know how to hone razors - David and Sergio visited them a while ago - there's a write up in the archives.

Originally Posted by gugi

I'd say either Ross Cutlery, or David (heavydutysg135, hope I got it right). If I were you I'd pick David (he's in LA), if he's got some time he can probably give you a quick lesson on stropping and honing. Otherwise see if Ross Cutlery will let you watch as they hone it.

And yes Ross Cutlery reportedly know how to hone razors - David and Sergio visited them a while ago - there's a write up in the archives.

I'm in agreement with Ivan!

Thanks for all the replies. When I receive the razor, I will PM David and see if he has the time to hone it. If not, I'll head over to Ross. Having been in that shop in the past for DE related stuff, I'll probably leave with a few extra purchases

I would much prefer Heavyduty over Ross.

Ross is not bad guys and they can do some re-grinding if needed. They have been around along time and are enjoying our resurrection of the sport. I don't think they do any type of shave test though.

A Wapi is a great razor to learn on too.

Have fun.

Lynn

I had a couple str8s honed by Mike Ratliff (AKA "Kenrup" here on SRP) in Turlock, CA.

He did a fine job and turned them around quickly

Originally Posted by tsquare

I had a couple str8s honed by Mike Ratliff (AKA "Kenrup" here on SRP) in Turlock, CA.

He did a fine job and turned them around quickly

Mike Ratliff and Kenrup are two different people! Mike is in California, and I believe Kenrup is in Texas somewhere...could be mistaken about Texas.