Thread: Newbie question

another factor that might not have been mentioned but is big for me is how often you shave. there are lots who shave everyday, whereas i shave twice a week, maybe 3 times on the odd occasion. when i hone a razor to where i get a really good shave (i am still working on my consistency , but getting better) it last me anywhere from 2-3 months without a touch up, but again that is only using it 2-3 times a week.

also, whatever stone you buy (i like my chinese 12k, but don't a barbers hone to compare to), DON'T forget that it should be lapped. i bought a black arkansas when i first started and didn't lap it which didn't work out so well.

good luck

On average, the razor should last 2-3 months depending on your beard type. There are a variety of hones out there for refreshing as mentioned including the Barber Hones and Coticules in addition to Shaptons, Nakayamas, Naniwas, Eschers, Spyderco Ultra Fine and on and on and on. A lot of people also use either .5 diamond pastes or sprays and chromium oxide pastes as refreshers too.

Huge amount of personal preference and dollar consideration in this area.

Have fun,

Lynn

The cheapest way would probably be a baggie of .5 CrO from ChrisL.

Then either make a "permanent" pasted strop out of balsa or something.

Or use some newspaper and spread a bit of the powder.

It is all personal preference though.