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.

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.

I'm glad to see someone make this generous offer. You rock sir!

I was thinking that maybe some members could offer some practice blades at a nominal fee for us newbies learning to hone....

Originally Posted by elginrunner

I'm glad to see someone make this generous offer. You rock sir!

I was thinking that maybe some members could offer some practice blades at a nominal fee for us newbies learning to hone....

Hmm....I have plenty of razors at my disposal at the moment. Some of them are probably not worth as much as I would like, being non-branded at all and being 4/8 blade........ You might be on to something!



Btw, I think this is a great idea. The only differnce I would add, would be to give the young honemeister feedback on how well he/she did. I know I would like some feedback from someone other than myself as to how "shave ready" my blades are.

What a good idea. Personally, I don't wish/need to practice on the blade (I have a few to ruin myself ), but still think it is a very good idea.

Steven