Thread: honing for europeans

Ok, I know that there are not a lot of people in europe from this forum. But for the few newbies it's might be nice to have someone help you out.

So if you need help honing I'm perfectly willing to help out. I've sold some razors of mine and got some good feedback about sharpness.

If you need help and live in the Netherlands it'd be even easier.

Just thought I'd offer a hand.

Regards
Alexander

Actually it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to make up a list of locations and members willing to render assistance, as well as guys with skype or some such.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Actually it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to make up a list of locations and members willing to render assistance, as well as guys with skype or some such.

No skype here, but I do have some such!

Alexander, nice offer to help, and a good idea. Of course, one thing that would help is if all members would fill in their location in their profile. Even if just putting in a country it would/could be helpful.

RT

this might come in really handy for me!!!
thanks for offer, i will for sure need some proper honing

Hi,

I noticed that many people use a Norton hone on this site. The trouble is in the UK they do not sell these stones. Are there any other good European brands you can recommend? Will any 8K grit stone do the job?

Thanks

I'm not a 100% sure actually. Personally I use a Belgian Coticule that I bought on e-bay for a good price. I haven't used any other stones at all. For that question I'd defer to Lynn, Joe Chandler or maybe Bill (urleebird).
I was looking for the norton as well when I started out and couldn't find an affordable either so I tried these instead. Another dutch member uses a different stone he gets from germany. Many method all good results really.

I coudn't find a Norton here either and ended up buying "King" brand japanese water stones in both 4 and 8k. Apart from my lack of skill they seen to work fine

I managed to source a 4K and 8K japanese waterstopne for £30 (the pair) delivered. Also bought myself a decent strop.

Just received my grandads Bengal razor (purchased in the 1900's but unused) through the post. while it shaves my arm hair well, I think it cold do with a strop and possibly a hone to get it in shape.

Will let you know how I get on. The razor is a beauty so I really don't want to mess it up. Will go slow and carefully.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Rob

You did well Rob, £30 looks a good price for a pair of Japanese waterstones .
Late now I know but this may help someone else, I did manage to buy the Norton 4\8000 combo in the UK at www.classichandtools.com & note they are also available at www.rutlands.co.uk.
It looks like you've got the right idea with the Bengal, "Slow and carefull", If you can bare too wait it might be a good idea to practise your technique on a razor that your not too wary of .
If you do decide to go straight ahead and if it has never been used it may only require just a few strokes to bring it up, just remember sometimes less is more.

Cheers

Dunk

Thanks Dunk,

I found a few places doing the Norton in the end but they were well over £50 after posting costs were added so decided to go with the Japanese ones. Hopefully they will suffice. If I am still using the straight razor at Christmas I may shell out for a Norton then. I'm getting pretty excited about it so chances are i will be still using it. The new Bengall makes my shavette look like a kids toy!

I have just bought a real cheapo razor off ebay for a quid to practice honing on.

P.S. I used to live up in Chesterfield (Gladstone Road by the football club). But am a Nottingham lad originally.