Thread: Beginners Question

Hey guys quick question. Looking into a hone but I need to try to be frugal about it. Would something like this work?

I wouldn't recommend it. There are a lot of better options. Hunt around a bit on the forum. Get a shave ready razor and a good finishing stone is all you'll need.

If you are new all you need is a good barbers hone..... in a couple of months after you start using a straight. If you are looking for a good razor do yourself a favor and buy from the classifieds here or the vendors here. There are reputations at stake here unlike other places. Have fun and stay clean!

If you have time I would have an Arkansas hone, these stones are so slow. Do not do it.
I would just spend more money and buy a good stone at a time.
if you buy now an Arkansas hone, then you buy within one month a Better hone . At the end you pay more.

Thank you very much for the quick replies. I already have a shave ready Dovo and everything else minus a hone. I am just trying to round everything up BEFORE i really need them, lol. I will definitely keep an eye out on the classifieds. Thanks again.

If you're just beginning, a hone is not necessary. That's an altogether different learning curve. You'll be plenty busy mastering your SR skills

Originally Posted by MrClean

Hey guys quick question. Looking into a hone but I need to try to be frugal about it. Would something like this work?

Not a good choice.

However you are linking to woodcraft so
consider the 15/5/0.3 Pinnacle abrasive film
solution. If you have a flat granite tile
from a partial box or some plate glass (flat)
at a home center you might save a buck.

15micron is about a 1000 grit.
0.3 is finer than 8K...

EDIT:
If you already own a good black Arkansas
it is OK to try but I do not recommend you
run out and buy one for a razor.

The best bet first hone to purchase is
most likely a 4K/8K Norton or perhaps
the 3K/8K Naniwa. If you are lucky and
find an inexpensive barber hone that may also
be sufficient.

If you have a shave-ready Dovo, you have everything you need to begin straight razor shaving.

Forget about the hone for now. That's a different skill set. Focus on your beard prep, blade angle and post-shave skin care for now. Believe me, that's more than enough.

Once you get the hang of shaving, you can invest in a barber's hone to keep your razor sharp. Later, you can invest in either a Norton combo or a set of Naniwas for serious honing.

If you are time rich but money poor a good fine hard Black Arkansas can work as can a Chinese polishing hone. The trouble is finding a good one. You may end up buying a few as naturals can vary. I agree with leaving this decision till stropping & shaving is mastered or at least competent. Any mistake you make on a strop is magnified on a stone.