Thread: First Real Honing Attempt

Hello all, wasn't sure whether to put this in beginners or honing but here goes. Just wanted to comment on my first real honing attempt...WOW. I bought my first straight a few months ago (new Dovo) knowing that it wasn't truly shave ready after my readings here, but figured how bad could it be? I had shaved with a DE for over a year before the straight. So I shaved with it and even though it tugged a little I was determined I would make it work. I live up here in Alberta, Canada so other than sending it away there are no honemiesters here. I bought a 3000k hone when I bought the razor and thought i'd give it a go, a little better but... So I figured if i'm going to learn why not do it right, so I watched the videos here by Lynn and Jockeys, went out and bought myself a Norton 4000/8000k combo stone and gave it a go. Honed it, stropped it, and did the shave test...I actually dulled it As I say, I'm determined...took a deep breath, went back over to the computer and watched again, went back to my 3000k, another deep breath and started over. I tried the pyramid technique, nice and slow checking the edge as I went and each time my smile grew I finished, stropped it and put it away. I only shave every couple of nights and last night was it...WOW what a difference, nice & smooth, no pulling and no irritation or burn even after alum block & bay rum. And BBS!!! Best shave ever and my beautiful wife agreed. As a newbie I can only imagine what a razor honed by a pro like Lynn would be like. I was pretty proud of myself though, so I enjoyed the rest of the evening with a Pabst and a smile I want to send out huge thanks to Lynn & Jockeys for their great vids on here and to everyone else here on SRP for all the valuable info. To any newbie starting out with honing, all I can say is take your time and be patient...and watch those videos!!! Thanks again to all and keep shaving.