Thread: I think I'm in need of a honing

Originally Posted by wolfmanXIII

What is this CrO strop you speak of? I've never heard of it.

Chromium oxide on a leather. SRD has all the ingredients to make one, if you follow Jimmy's advice you will end up with anice paddle strop that can be functoinalized with CrO, diamond spray as well as just plain leather .

I had the same problem with a Dovo BQ from SRD. The solution for me was about 10 laps on a Norton 12K. A CrO paste could be a good solution too. There's someone in the classifieds who sells packets of the paste for a few bucks, I think. I have the Filly strop so it already had it on the backside.

The big takeaway point though is the edge only needs a refreshing. Not a complete rehoning. If you can get one of these other mediums - polishing hone, barber's hone, CrO paste, diamond spray - you can do this yourself and not have to bother sending it out. IME/O, a 12K or barber's hone will get that "new edge" feel better than CrO.

Thanks for the link Jim. I had actually gone and looked it up right after you mentioned it and that seems like a fine piece of equipment. Only problem would be getting used to using a paddle since I've always used a hanging strop, but hey I learned how to use a straight razor so I'm sure I can learn that.

Originally Posted by wolfmanXIII

Good point Jim, it's also limited to as long as you own the razor according to some people I've talked to. So if I pass it on to someone else before Lynn or Don kick we're still outta luck. I think it's settled then, I need to take my razors to the grave, and Lynn and Don need to live forever.

Yes a long and healthy life.... but forever?
Have you seen the whiskers on Noah and Moses.

Another choice for a touch up is a barber's hone (swaty), or a coticule (use with with water only for a touch up). Note, I generally need to touch up after a few months of use, so it sounds like you are due.

I have read that using pasted strops will eventually put a curve on your bevel, so at some point you would need to to rehone the razor (more aggressive work vs. a touchup). I don't use pastes strops so I don't really know how long that would be...

-Chief

I don't know how... but you need to get this resolved before Mar 30, next full moon.

Obviously, buying your razor from SRD was a great move. I would send it in and let them hone it for you. When you get it back shave with it before doing anything to it. That will give you a feel for the difference, and if your stropping or prep is off your shaves will go downhill fast.

My experience has been a razor needs attention beyond normal stropping when it starts to pull. Beard length should have no affect on how the blade performs, as the blade is completely open all the time. Short or long the blade cuts the same diameter of each hair.

That said, you can use fabric strops and pastes or spays to extend the sharpness of your blade.

I too am in wolfman's position. I bought a Böker King Cutter back in December from SRD. I used it daily for shaving since then. Really awesome shaves...until about yesterday when I made 3 passes and had couldnt get it clean. (un)Luckily I start a new job on Tuesday, nothing like using a junky multi blade again (for a bit).

When I first started using this razor, my stropping technique was semi-sloppy. I knicked up my Filly quite a bit (which I think shortened the lifespan of this edge). Still shaved well for 4 months. I think I am going to send it in to SRD.

A few questions. BHChieftan mentions a swaty stone; are these quality and relatively easy to learn to use?

2. I covered my blade in olive oil so it doesnt rust. Is this an ok oil to use on it? Does anything else work better. Also do you reccommend insuring your razor when you send it?

3. I think I should get a new strop. I feel pretty confident in my technique and think I could upgrade from the Filly. I am still a college student, but I have work now I am looking for something that is a good value.

Thanks!
PanStan

Originally Posted by PanStan

A few questions. BHChieftan mentions a swaty stone; are these quality and relatively easy to learn to use?

2. I covered my blade in olive oil so it doesnt rust. Is this an ok oil to use on it? Does anything else work better. Also do you reccommend insuring your razor when you send it?

Howdy,
The barber's hone (swaty is one brand) isn't in production anymore-- you'd need to find these on ebay. I have personally never used one (I use a coticule), but concensus on the site is these are good for a touch up.

Here's a good link on hones from the wiki:

What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I use mineral oil on the blade.

-Chief

They are pretty easy. Just put some water or lather on the stone, do about 5-6 strokes, strop, good to go.

Originally Posted by PanStan

A few questions. BHChieftan mentions a swaty stone; are these quality and relatively easy to learn to use?

Olive Oil can turn rancid... I would just pick up some mineral oil from your local store(in the pharmacy). Insurance.. Well that is up to you. If your razor gets lost in USPS land, can you easily afford to replace it?

2. I covered my blade in olive oil so it doesnt rust. Is this an ok oil to use on it? Does anything else work better. Also do you reccommend insuring your razor when you send it?