Thread: Buying a Hone and a Second Razor

For your practice honing, it's an easy matter to find vintage straights in flea markets, etc. They can be found cheaply. You're not looking for nice razors, just something that you can put an edge on.

As for your heavy beard, most any size razor will be fine.

I think you need to evaluate what you are really after when it comes to your upkeep. For example, if you are interested in keeping a good edge, but will probably send your razors out to a honemeister, then a barber's hone is all you'll ever need.

If you think you may want to delve into honing on a larger level, then the 4/8 combo will be the better buy.

As for your second razor, I would recommend getting something that you know you'll shave with and enjoy. Having two razors of the same grind will help your technique, and touch-ups. Then with your third, try something different, because if it fails miserably and you don't enjoy it, you still have two nice ones that you'll use often.

My thoughts.

I'd stay away from the pakastani razors, even for honing practice. They're just going to aggravate you. I've never had one, but I hear they don't take or hold an edge. Do yourself a favor, and get a better razor off the classifieds, or even the bay, Check our "Razors to avoid" in the wiki. The Norton 4/8k is an excellent hone to learn on. It sounds to me like your beyond a Barber hone. As your shaving skill improves, you'll find that you'll be able to shave with sub par blades that go well beyond a Barber hones capability ime. Barber hones are very small, about 4 inches...They're great for maintaining a shave ready blade, but I've always found it hard to bring one back that's already dull and pulling...but that's me...I've always found it easier to go to another hone, Naniwa, Norton, even a Coticule. It's much easier when you have the right tools. By all means, if you have the funds, get a Barber's hone. They are good, as i said, for maintaining razors, not really for bringing them back. it takes too long. As far as blade width goes, 5/8th's, 6/8th's is personal preference. Both will shave you equally well. If you need help honing, or picking out a hone, Pm me....

Ok ok, this is the second time I've been warned about these pakistani razors. I will get rid of them. My thoughts were to use them to get used to the technique of honing. Use them to get a feel for it and then use my good razors to really get a grasp of what I'm doing.
I'm leaning more towards the 5/8 razor ... I can see that heading into the beginning of a collection of razors!

Thank you all for the advice!

I understand why you were considering practicing with Pakastani razors, but if they don't develop or hold an edge how will you be able to evaluate your developing honing skills?

You should be able to find cosmetically unappealing but functional vintage razors for next to nothing. If you can't, I'll send you one.