Thread: Put on scales then hone, or the other way?

Just wondering, I have a few blades I cleaned and polished and made scales to put on them but I was wondering if it's better to hone the blades first? I find it easier to hone without the scales because it's easier to keep the blade flat but is this bad technique? I now I won't get much better at honing doing it this way since most razors I'll want to work on later will have scales. Would the reduced weight(from not having scales) cause any issues?

I'd strongly suggest honing after putting the scales on for two reasons...
1. you will avoid damaging your fresh edge in the pinning/assembly process.

2. I have honed bare blades and I think it's much easier to hone when you have scales on.

That has been my experience anyhow
Cheers
Dave

There could be a slight balance/handling issue if yer going back and forth between scales and no scales but just so long as the razor edge and spine are on the hone at the same time you should be fine...

BUT,,, I will warn you putting the scales back on sometimes, is a bit more handling of the razor than you think, so you might end up re-honing anyway...



LOL Dave and I were typing at the same time...

I have no experience honing a razor without scales but I couldn't imagine not having my fingertips on the tang and scales to flip and guide the razor. To my mind having the scales on is a plus for easier honing but, as I said, I've never done it any other way.

I've honed few without the scales but i rather like to put the scales first.
If you want to hone and sharpen the blade before you put the scales then put some thin tape on the blade when scaling. Just to prevent the edge from taking any damages.

I would put the scales on first. Like has been said the scaling process can cause some damage to the edge requiring re honing and manipulating an edge without scales can be awkward.