To Hone, or not to hone?

I have not started to straight razor shave yet. My stuff should be getting here all this week. One of the items coming is an Iwasaki razor. I've read that they come ready to shave. I've read that they don't come ready to shave. And I've read everything in between ( strop with paste, strop with out paste, etc., etc. ). Should I send it out to be honed and stropped professionally before I try to use it? I know my skill will be non existent, and I like to know that's what the problem is and not the razor. And I don't want to ruin it trying to hone it myself. So should I send it out? and if so, to who? I know there are a few here that hone professionally, but does anyone specialize in Japanese razors? Thank you all again.

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Originally Posted by Guarnera

I have not started to straight razor shave yet. My stuff should be getting here all this week. One of the items coming is an Iwasaki razor. I've read that they come ready to shave. I've read that they don't come ready to shave. And I've read everything in between ( strop with paste, strop with out paste, etc., etc. ). Should I send it out to be honed and stropped professionally before I try to use it? I know my skill will be non existent, and I like to know that's what the problem is and not the razor. And I don't want to ruin it trying to hone it myself. So should I send it out? and if so, to who? I know there are a few here that hone professionally, but does anyone specialize in Japanese razors? Thank you all again.

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Depends from where you bought it. if you bought from SRD you should be fine.if not then will better send it out for honing.check classified member services.
hope this helps

Guarnera;

I’ve only been to the high desert in Bend OR, most beautiful weather and scenery. If you got the Iwasaki from SRD or Jim R you are OK. Anybody else, I would send to someone familiar with the blade profile to check out and sharpen.
There is a learning curve with the kamisori style razor. They are superb shavers when properly honed and with proper technique...hi bud gl has sharpened my Iwasaki’s and has shown me how to sharpen them as well. They are different critters. Have fun. Go slow.
:)