Thread: The Giving Razor- honemeisters in training?

Hey everybody, so far I have been really impressed with the generosity and willingness to help of all of the SRP members. I think one of the most important things in life is to help other people out when you can, because I think it eventually all comes back to you somehow (even if just in the form of a good night's sleep).

So.... I want to try to reflect some of the help that other people have given me. I know that some guys are trying to learn how to hone razors, but it sucks when all you have is your new razors, or some nice vintage steel that an expert has restored for you. Nobody wants to ruin their only razor while learning to hone.

I have a razor that I am not familiar with (the tang is stamped "Rangoon") but it seems to be good steel. I took off the rust and I want to offer someone who is trying to learn to hone the opportunity to practice on this razor. After trying your hand on this razor you can send it back to me, then I'll let someone else try it out.

I would only ask that you do not experiment with extreme honing methods (like electric or mechanical sharpeners) and that you only use techniques and hones listed in the SRP wiki on honing. Also, I would ask that nothing else be done to the razor (don't try to rescale or otherwise restore the blade... just honing practice).

Hopefully this will give some people the opportunity to learn more about straight razors and the processes involved in this lifestyle. Please tell me what you think about this and let me know if you are interested in this as a source for trying your hand at honing.

I'll repost here every time the razor is available for another aspiring honemeister... here is a picture of the razor in question.

I think that is a very imaginative and generous idea. I'm not going to put myself in the line just yet, as I'm still learning the basics of straight shaving. I do intend to subscribe to the thread, though, and maybe I'll jump in later if I ever decide to give honing a try.

If this idea gets a lot of responses, it might be good if someone contributed an extra razor or two, so the one doesn't get overhoned (if such a thing is possible).

Rich

I think it's a fantastic idea! I personally don't want the practice on it, but it's an extremely valuable learning oppourtunity for honigh newbies. I hope people take advantage of your genorous offer. It's people like you that make this forum a wonderful place, good on ya!

Great Idea!!

Old blades KAMA did wonders for me. I am very thankful that I was able to do this.

If you can't get someone let me know. I'll do it again.

Great idea. I'm learning to hone at the moment. I've got several practice razors of my own to learn on, but would be happy to contribute them to the cause when I'm done with them. Perhaps a spot in the classifieds to run a "razor rental" would be in order. Not advocating charging for them, but it might be a more visible place to keep it running. You could check them out like a library...

Originally Posted by kenneyty

Great idea. I'm learning to hone at the moment. I've got several practice razors of my own to learn on, but would be happy to contribute them to the cause when I'm done with them. Perhaps a spot in the classifieds to run a "razor rental" would be in order. Not advocating charging for them, but it might be a more visible place to keep it running. You could check them out like a library...

Ooh, I like that idea.. maybe we can start a razor check out... thanks for being willing to add to the razors. Let's stay in touch on this.

I ordered a dovo half hollow ground that needs to be honed, and i also ordered a pre honed cheaper razor that I will use until it absolutely needs honing. Then I will practice on it, as i already have hones. I have limited experience sharpening steel and putting a fine, polished edge on blades. I have been told straight razors are very meticulous in the way they should be upkept and maintained and when I find out just exactly how meticulous this method is, I will definitely inform all who are interested in knowing the results of that.

So, the idea is that this is a good razor to practice honing on? I mean the advantage to picking one on ebay is that this has no warped blade or uneven edge, am I right?
I am not sure if this will end up being something useful, but there's only one way to find out.

My personal opinion is that the most useful thing for people learning to hone is to have a razor with just a bevel set at the 1k level. The main challenge seems to be to get this stage correct.

You make a very good point Gugi... this blade is actually in pretty good shape (not much hone wear, no warps, frowns, cracks or anything like that). There would be an advantage to having the bevel set to 1k, but also I believe that like many other things there really is only one way to learn how to set that bevel. It can't hurt to try, and I'm not going to be upset if someone does a bit of damage to this. So for anyone who wants a shot at it with no real strings attached, send me a PM and I'll let you have a go.

p.s.
I wish I'd have had a practice face to do my first ATG under the chin... kind of the same idea, get to go through some of the motions without too many consequences.

That's really nice of you to offer that. I'm not there yet and haven't bought any honing devices but I will keep you in mind. Thanks.