Thread: Don't want to hone (at least, not right now)

Originally Posted by cotdt

Shavettes tend to cut up your face because the edges are not smooth, even though they are sharp. I will never again touch a shavette with a 10-foot pole.

What brand of DE blades were you using? Maybe you cut up your face because you were holding it with a 10 foot pole instead of your hands In all seriousness though, it's pretty clear you haven't given the Shavette much of a chance. I imagine you probably used Walmart or Walgreens DE blades, in which case I understand where you're coming from. However, quality DE blades will give almost as good of a shave (or as good in some cases) as a regular straight.

I too disagree about the pasted strop being a long-term solution. It is likely a case of the frog slowly getting boiled to death. As the blade's edge degrades slowly, your face will get used to it until you use another razor that is truly sharp. I can shave straight from a 1200 grit hone. Hell, I can shave with my Ka-Bar. The difference between a well maintained, honed edge and a stropped edge is like going to town on a horse or in a car- they both get you to the same place, but the car probably got you there safer and faster.

If you're trying to save money and leave disposables behind, just get a decent, shave ready razor from a knowledgeable member here plus a good strop. It'll let you focus on your shaving and stropping technique without the added difficulty of honing. You'll be able to make it for quite a while before it needs honed again, and then you're usually only out $20.

If you're curious about the suitability of a razor in the classifieds, contact the seller. I'm certain they would be quite helpful with any questions you might have.

I quite understand that paste will only take me so far, but since I'm buying a paddle anyways, why not paste it?

I may very well buy a hone at some point as I'm a big fan of doing these things yourself. But I'm not looking to the really long term for now, I just don't want to be sending the razor out every three months.

You all bring up excellent points, thanks again for the help.

You may as well have it pasted if you're going with a paddle- there's no point in having identical sides of leather. Even if you didn't have it pasted though, I doubt you'd be sending it out after 3 months (unless you have a super thick iron beard that needs shaving daily...and that's a maybe).

Originally Posted by Raiontzukai

I will try a hanging strop at some point, but right now I live in a rented house and even my bathroom's doorknob is a bit flimsy.

There has to be something sturdy in your house. For example my strops are hanging on the towel rack, doorknob doesn't seem a good place for me to start with. I just think that most people preferring hanging strop is not a coincidence.

Originally Posted by Raiontzukai

Say my budget is large enough but I don't want to be wasteful, how much should I expect to pay for one of these hones, either new or used?

yes no need to buy stuff you don't need. the only problem is that there is a lot of options and it is a matter of preference, so it's a catch-22.
Norton is the most popular hone and excellent value. If you want a better option for more money, get shaptons. If you want just one hone or want natural option get a coticule, possibly with a belgian blue backing (may have to go vintage for that).
Barber hones are generally hard to lap if you need to, esp. if they have chips, which being ceramics is rather common. I've sold some of my swatys for $20-$25, best bet is to get it from a member who has a lapping plate so that you hit the ground running.