Thread: Complete Noob

Ok on to a new question. I see lots of talk about hones. Now can this be any style sharpening stone as long as it is a high grit for refining the edge or do you need a specific type for straight razors. Below is a link of just some styles of sharpening stones from a quick search will any of those types work.

The help has been great so far and Shorebird thanks for the PM great help and info there.

Sharpening Supplies - Bench Stones

Originally Posted by Bnick

Ok on to a new question. I see lots of talk about hones. Now can this be any style sharpening stone as long as it is a high grit for refining the edge or do you need a specific type for straight razors. Below is a link of just some styles of sharpening stones from a quick search will any of those types work.

The help has been great so far and Shorebird thanks for the PM great help and info there.

Sharpening Supplies - Bench Stones

Larry's been a big help to me also kept me on budget. I did get a second razor from the classifieds for $30.00. It work greaty i just need to get my stropping down to touch it up.

[QUOTE=


....Upgrade to the 3" strop. You will be glad you did as you begin.


Good luck,
David[/QUOTE]


I was going to ask about that. I am having trouble with the strop now. I have a couple of cheap entry level strops to get going. If I ever figure it out should I get the 3 inch strop? What are the reasons?

thanks in advance

So how long will stroping keep my razor sharp and how often do you need hone

Originally Posted by ShoreBird

I was going to ask about that. I am having trouble with the strop now. I have a couple of cheap entry level strops to get going. If I ever figure it out should I get the 3 inch strop? What are the reasons?

thanks in advance

With a narrower strop, you need to learn the X pattern as well as the timing for flipping the blade - not impossible, but one more thing to learn.

With a 3" strop, you will only need to worry about the flip timing.

BTW, in either case - learning the correct amount of stropping pressure is a requirement as well. Somebody here told me to take a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and fold it until you get a 1" strip. Then practice stropping with it until you do not bend the paper. That is the amount of pressure to use.

Originally Posted by Bnick

So how long will stroping keep my razor sharp and how often do you need hone

Strop before every shave. The only exception is when you get your razor professionally honed. The razor is coated in oil when you get it and all you normally need to do is wipe the oil off and then shave. You will need to strop on your next shave.

How often you need to hone has a number of variables. Your stropping technique, coarsness of beard, how often you shave, how well you care for your blade following the shave. All of these affect when to hone.

Having said that, 2-3 months between a touch up with a fine hone like a barber's hone is typical.