Thread: noob, Honing

Originally Posted by Gracecab

I know the consensus is to have the blade "professionally honed". To counter, I bought a new DOVO stainless, and never got it done first. I used it straight out of the wrapper and it shaved me just fine. If money is an issue, you may hold off for awhile. Just my 2 cents experience.

I have had the same experience as Gracecab. The factory edge on my Dovo has served me well for eight months so far without the need to touch a hone.

To answer the original poster's question, the Sharpmaker's fine rods work well for honing to a shaving edge. if you prefer you can place the rods into the slots provided on the base so that they are laying horizontally side-by-side like a traditional bench stone.