Thread: Do I have to buy a hone?

Originally Posted by Alraz

At the risk of you not liking this answer, I am going to tell you what I think. Why don't you start by buying one shave ready razor, a strop and a brush; make sure that you like shaving with a straight before you venture into the hone universe? If you want economical, neither a new razor nor an ebay special would do. Perhaps a visit to the classified would help you find one in shave ready condition at a low price.

Al raz.

+1

First things first: learn how to shave with a straight razor, and find out if it's for you.
If it is, there a high chance (maybe I'd better write "risk") that straight razor shaving becomes a hobby. I would have never believed that, before I started doing it myself.

When and if the shaving bug bites, things will look different. And it won't be cheap.

For now, just buy a shaveready razor and a decent strop. If you make your homework and read the Wiki entries about stropping and shaving, you'll be able to shave several weeks to months before the razor needs additional care. At that point $5 spent on Chromium Oxide and a homemade paddle strop is all it takes to tune up the edge.

By the time you'll need more than that, you'll have a completely other perspective on straight razor shaving.

Best regards and welcome to SRP,
Bart.

Originally Posted by calamusink

So I'm having a hard time finding a good barber's hone. Can I get away with using just a 12k from Woodcraft?

Actually, do you have any other options?

Originally Posted by Bart

+1

First things first: learn how to shave with a straight razor, and find out if it's for you.
If it is, there a high chance (maybe I'd better write "risk") that straight razor shaving becomes a hobby. I would have never believed that, before I started doing it myself.
Bart.

Yup, definitely becomes a hobby, though my fiance says it's "only grooming!"

Well, I think I'll buy a brand new (but professionally honed) DOVO and an Illinois strap (least expensive one). I know I can last a few months on that alone, but I need to figure out which hone to buy for when the time does come. Don't want to spend more than 50 on the hone honestly. Guess I'll work ebay for a Swaty and if I don't find anything maybe a 12k. Unless I find a better option.

A $50 budget can almost fit a small coticule.
In fact I'm going to soon list a small natural belgian combo in the classifieds.
But I don't have to repeat everybody else's advice that your hone purchase is not urgent at all.

Nope, just start out with a shave-ready razor, a strop, and some Chromium Oxide on a homemade paddle strop, and you're good to go!