Thread: FINALLY

Bkk,

Even though I started honing right off the bat and as much as I would like to tell you to go for it, I have to recommend sending it off to get honed for your first time…Just for the simple reason, I don’t know your capabilities and how much you can afford to loose. Please keep reading for what I would like to think of as a pep talk and confidence booster.

When I started out, I dove in head first but, I was lucky the way things panned out for me because I didn’t have that much to loose. About 21 years ago, I bought my very first razor with the intention of shaving with a str8 but didn’t know a new razor was NOT shave ready and needed to be honed. Talk about a painful experience! This was in the days just before internet & SRP so, needless to say, it went in the drawer for the next 20 years. When I decided to give it another try about a year and a half ago, I found SRP & learned why I couldn’t shave with it. I happened to have some honing stones that would serve their purpose and…Viola! I had a razor that would shave! Please don’t let me mislead you into thinking it’s all that simple but, it’s not rocket science and takes some patience, common sense and practice with a definite learning curve.

With the enthusiasm and willingness you show, I get the feeling you have good sense so I’m going to step out on a limb and give you the following advice. I am so persistent and only tend to view things in a very positive way that I only see mistakes as a learning experience to help you improve. As with anything in life, ask yourself this one question…What do I risk to loose? Make your assessment, decide and go with it. Just make sure you are ready to accept any consequences from your decision. My personal opinion is this. If possible, try to find a cheap razor to practice on. If you can’t get your hands on one just use good sense, because I don’t think you will absolutely ruin your razor by attempting to hone it yourself. Do your research, read up in the Wiki on honing, and give it a try. Worse case scenario is this: If you can’t get it right the first or second time, stop there and send it off to get honed. Just don’t keep honing it so much that you ruin it. In late 2009, I purchased a brand new Dovo Bismark and tried honing it a few times before I got it right. I never “Ruined” it and am still shaving with it today.

Good luck and keep us posted

great razor, keep us posted on how the shaves turn out.

Why not try a vintage blade for a second razor? There's a "vintage" shop attached to The Invisible Edge, and there are lots of blades on the Classifieds on this site.

Charles

"wow, you guys are great. no jerks here!"

My wife says I'm a jerk sometimes, but I don't pay any
attention to her.

I second the idea on the Vintage Blades. If you must try honing, you can find extremely cheap used blades at flea markets and antique shops and practice on those without endangering good edges.