Thread: NOOBY ALMOST READY TO BUY HONES HELP

My first straight edge arrived a few days ago with a linen/leather strop, shaving mug, soap, and badger brush. I have injoyed the last few shaves, something I have never actually said about shaving before. I have gotten a few red bumps and such.

Question: Are the red bumps due to the possibility that the razor wasn't sharp enough out of the box? When you purchase a non-pre-honed razor, is it usable out of the box?
Answere: Most likely due to the new unhoned razor out of the box. Could be due to pressing to hard.

I think a set of wet stones may help with this initial problem. Opinions? I am only looking to get a very very sharp razor edge currently. Not worrying about repairs at this point. So, I need recommendations. A few sources say that the 4k/8k commbination stone is the best for straight razors. So here is what I "think" I want ideally:

1k (probably purchased latter)
4k/8k
16k
30k

Question: Is sharpton or norton better for straight razors? Any comparisions or explainations of differences/opinions is appreciated. Cost is a factor, I'd like to spend less than $150, but achieve a much better than average edge.
Answere: $150 for four stones is not practical. BBW/Coticule recommendation

Question about the strop: I have heard "don't put any paste on the linen side", I have also heard "you must put paste on the linen side". Which Is correct?
Answere: Optional, put paste on linen if you want a higher abrassion. Linen strops come pre impregnated for life.

Question: Can you use the leather side without treating it with the special paste first, or is paste required?
Answere: You can use leather strop without oil or conditioner; I suspect it is good practice to use it though.

Question: If grinding stones are graded by the micron size of the particles, what would the leather and linen sides of a strop be? what about when associated pastes are added? I realize it may be in the 30k-60k range or greater, but I'd like a precise definition.
Answere: STILL NEEDED

Question: If I go anywhere in the world to any vendor in the world and ask for a 1k/4k/8k/16k/30k 3" sharpening stone, Is there any chance I will get something that can damage my blade? I ask this because I have looked at Nortons site and these stones appear to be for kitchen knifes and not straight razors. I realize this probably isn't a big deal, I just want to make sure there aren't any other variables to consider when selecting a stone other than width and grain size. What about variables concerning diamond, natural, synthetic, ceramic, color, origin, etc.
Answere: All you need to specify is the width and grain size to ensure your new stone won't damage your blade. All other options such as dimond vs. stone, natural vs. synthetic, and other specificities are largely focused on facters such as cost, piece of mind, and easy of honing.