Thread: First successful hanging hair test

What is the preferred method for getting a new razor shave ready. I bought one prior to knowledge of letting Lynn Abrams work on it. I have since ordered another and am awaiting Lynn's work. In the meantime, I have tried my hand on the first one using Norton 4K/8K and the pyramid. I have not been able to get it to pass the hanging hair test. Which pyramid is best to get a new razor shave ready or is there some other technique that I should be using? Thanks in advance for the advice.

Originally Posted by fayettemed

What is the preferred method for getting a new razor shave ready. I bought one prior to knowledge of letting Lynn Abrams work on it. I have since ordered another and am awaiting Lynn's work. In the meantime, I have tried my hand on the first one using Norton 4K/8K and the pyramid. I have not been able to get it to pass the hanging hair test. Which pyramid is best to get a new razor shave ready or is there some other technique that I should be using? Thanks in advance for the advice.

First, understand that I'm still a newb and am still learning myself. More experienced members will undoubtedly have better info for you. But I will explain what I did to get my razor shave ready. As previously mentioned, my razor was bought at an antique shop. This razor has probably not been used in several years and the edge was extremely dull.

So, I began with a 15/15 pyramid, that is 15 strokes on the 4K and 15 strokes on the 8K, followed by 10/10, 5/5, 3/3, 1/3, 1/5. Then I stropped my razor and tested it out. I found that although my edge was much better, it still was not close to where it needed to be. So I repeated the same process beginning the pyramid at 15/15 again. Stropped and tested it and found that it was much better, but still not where it needed to be. So I once again did the same pyramid beginning at 15/15. After this pyramid I did an additional 15 strokes on the 8K, stropped it and found that the edge was exactly where it needed to be. The razor passed the hanging hair test and I did my final test by shaving with it.

Again, this is the process that I used to achieve my edge on a very dull razor. For a razor that is in better condition, in the case of my newly purchased DOVO Blackstar, I began my pyramid at 5/5 followed by an additional 15 strokes on the 8K and this seemed to work good for me.

I found this honing business to be all about experimentation. Trying out different pyramids, finding ways to improve your technique, etc. I hope this helps, perhaps some more experienced members will chime in and give you additional info and perhaps even give me pointers as well.

Best Regards