Thread: Do I need a hone right away?

I introduced myself in the Member Introductions folder above. I have not yet started straight shaving, but have a razor and strop on order. I hope to begin next week.

I have other supplies accumulated during my DE/SE shaving experience.

Do I need a hone on day #1? I have never used one except for my knives.

Because of my lack of experience, I think I'd be more comfortable having a service do the first honing job, if needed. Gentlemens Best is nearby, and their service is excellent and reasonable.

How often is honing needed, assuming I do not do damage to the razor? What factors determine how often honing is needed? Is a personal hone necessary and better than a professional job? Long term cost is a factor for me. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Codfosh

Reading your post on B&B and the description of the razor over there,, I would recommend you get it honed professionaly...
Craig/Saraphim is a more than capable honer, but your razor is not coming directly from him, so yes I would get it re-honed just to make sure your starting at the right spot...

General rule of thumb, after a fresh hone as a beginner you will tear it up pretty fast... After your second time having it honed you will double the time until it needs honing as your stropping is improving and your technique,,, After the third time you should be about where you are going to be longevity wise, and when it needs honing again you should probably be looking to accomplish it yourself...

And Welcome to SRP...

Is there a real razor honer that Gentlemans Best use?
havnt seen it mentioned before so thought it be worth asking

Originally Posted by janivar123

Is there a real razor honer that Gentlemans Best use?
havnt seen it mentioned before so thought it be worth asking

It was recommended to me by a fellow CT straight user. Haven't used them yet, but will post when I can speak from personal experience.

I can tell you this about the proprietor of Gentlemen's Best:

He may or may not be a good honer (I've got no experience with that), but he's a good friend of mine, a great guy, and tied in to the best of the best on a personal (professional and friendship) level. If you deal with him, he will get you pointed in the right direction. I firmly believe that.

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I can tell you this about the proprietor of Gentlemen's Best:

He may or may not be a good honer (I've got no experience with that), but he's a good friend of mine, a great guy, and tied in to the best of the best on a personal (professional and friendship) level. If you deal with him, he will get you pointed in the right direction. I firmly believe that.

That certainly is the word-of-mouth impression I've gotten about Gentlemen's Best. Here and on B&B. Very highly regarded.