Thread: Edge life before more than stropping is needed?

When you are getting into str8 shaving, your technique is not quite there so you will probably end up dulling the edge faster than normal (sometimes after 2-3 weeks maybe). Once you become more proficient, this time will extend further and further into the future. I have heard that some can go without honing for as long as 1+ years.

Having 2-3 razors that are shave ready in your arsenal is not a bad idea...in fact, I would highly recommend it. It offers several advantages:

a) You can rotate between them, extending the life of the edges since they won't see daily use.

b) You will have back up razors when you send the rest for honing. With one razor, that is hard to do.

If, as you indicated, you intend to become self sufficient in razor maintenance, then there's never a better time to learn how to hone than now. BUT, before you take those shave ready razors to the stones, stop and get yourself some practice blades...The classifieds section is a good place as you can get good quality blades for $40-$60. eBay may be another choice. You want to get a few that you can learn how to set a bevel, sharpen, polish and finish. For this, I found the Naniwas to be great, easy to use, and affordable. I recommend the 1k, 5k, 8k, and 12k.

I really appreciate the recent advice guys, especially the words of wisdom and/or encouragement from jeffegg2, thebigspendur, red96ta, ShoreBird, vikingfan, Ryan82 and BladeRunner001.

I intend to proceed with the balsa hone pasted with Chromium Oxide semi paste from hand american. Based upon what I have read this should be sufficient to keep shaving for now. I will let time and experience tell me if I should ever contact my TI with a stone. I will however buy a less expensive razor to bring into my rotation for the reasons advised in this thread above.

vikingfan - its good to know there are some Long Islanders here. Too bad you have decided to leave honing to the pros. I would have gladly supplied a bottle of your favorite libation for a lesson or two .

Quick question: using the chromium oxide semi-paste with balsa hone. How much and how is it applied? I know "less is more" but a little guidance goes a long way.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by DPMaltese

Quick question: using the chromium oxide semi-paste with balsa hone. How much and how is it applied? I know "less is more" but a little guidance goes a long way.

I have only used the powder myself, but it is pretty much same shit, different pile. You don't need to cake it on, as a little goes a long way. What I do, as per ChrisL's instructions, is to paint thin X's on the surface of the balsa (as opposed to coating the entire surface), and you can smear it around if you like but it really isn't necessary as the act of stropping will do this as well. Let it cure for a day before use. Strop as you would with leather - SPINE FORWARD - and not like when honing (edge forward)

The next question you'll be likely to ask is how long will the coating last. I'm not sure, but I made mine almost 2 years ago and haven't had to reapply any chrome ox yet.

Originally Posted by DPMaltese

I really appreciate the recent advice guys, especially the words of wisdom and/or encouragement from jeffegg2, thebigspendur, red96ta, ShoreBird, vikingfan, Ryan82 and BladeRunner001.

I intend to proceed with the balsa hone pasted with Chromium Oxide semi paste from hand american. Based upon what I have read this should be sufficient to keep shaving for now. I will let time and experience tell me if I should ever contact my TI with a stone. I will however buy a less expensive razor to bring into my rotation for the reasons advised in this thread above.

vikingfan - its good to know there are some Long Islanders here. Too bad you have decided to leave honing to the pros. I would have gladly supplied a bottle of your favorite libation for a lesson or two .

Quick question: using the chromium oxide semi-paste with balsa hone. How much and how is it applied? I know "less is more" but a little guidance goes a long way.

Thanks again.

I purchased the chromium oxide from Classic Shaving and applied it to the balsa (sanded flat) with approximately four to five pea sized drops on a 3" x 11" balsa. This was rubbed into the wood with a latex glove. I then wiped it down with a paper towel to remove the excess chromium oxide to the point where I could see some wood grain. This assured me there was a very thin coating left on the balsa.

I would only use this as a touch-up/refresh, since I am not good at using my hones. I would think I would have to use the balsa once a month, since it stays pretty sharp with stropping. I guess every one is different. I just don't want to over do it. I should, however, buy a cheap SR to practice. Someday, I should learn.

I'm sure the experienced SR users will have some better input, but I did find the home-made balsa strop listed on this site as really very good and cheap.

Good luck.