Thread: Some n00b questions

The hones you use for sharpening knives are generally much too coarse unless you are restoring a damaged blade. If you purchase a blade in shave-ready condition, then the only hone you would ever really need is a yellow coticule. The quality of these varies but they are generally reported to be in the 8K range with a slurry and in the 10K range with just plain water. So, while this might be the only hone you would ever need for razors in good condition, it generally does not keep us from developing a hone acquisition disorder and getting an entire assortment.

As far as the CrO, lots of folks including myself use it after coming off of the final hone on a separate strop before going to the plain leather. I also find that I can put a fresh polish on the blade when I notice it barely pulling and it makes my edges last much longer and my shaves much more comfortable.