Thread: Why Beginners Shouldn't Try To Hone

this is exactly why i always mention the 2 honings concept. once when you first get the razor, the the second a few months down the road when you actually have a clue about shaving. Personally, I am waiting on the upperlip ATG to cooperate. the stupid pass or whatever it is has been a bit enlightening, it helps, but I know there has to be better. i will figure it out and the jawline eventually.

The other way to view all of this is as a continuum or progression gradient, as opposed to an "on-off" step function. In reality you don't suddenly wake up one day and "know" a good edge, or a perfect edge, or a whatever edge. There are gradients - a continuous spectrum which we need time and experience to explore fully. That is why the guys with more time at this can feel where an edge is at better than a beginner. I would even suggest the more experienced amongst us have explored the extreme ends of the spectrum as well, which always helps put things in context - this may be the true reason why the honemeisters know their craft so well - they've seen both the best and the worst of edges (it was the best of edges; it was the worst of edges!! Sorry, just popped into my head!), have enough experience to realise what they have seen, and can therefore easily put into context any edge they may come across in their general day to day honing.

From that point of view, while I agree with the sentiment of this thread, I would encourage people to take up their hones from an early stage and experiment. That is what I did, as I am sure countless others on here did. As you grow as a straight shaver, so too does your knowledge. I must have had some of the roughest shaves ever experienced by man in the early days due to my newbie honing, but I am now a better honer, shaver, and judge of edge because of it.

Yes, concentrating on one thing at a time is one way to learn but it is not the only way. Some people will find that optimal, while others will work better on a "full immersion" programme. I guess the trick is to know which way works best for you (which is indeed the trick - it may even be the secret to life in general!).

James.

Originally Posted by Havachat45

I've posted this in the beginners section so that our newer members might benefit from my experience because I see so many posts asking which hone to buy etc. and beginners need to know that, even if they can use a hone effectively, what they need from an edge will evolve as their technique improves.

I've become firmly convinced that, as a new SR shaver, the two most critical pieces of honing equipment I can have are my checkbook and my Visa card; until I know more and develop my techniques, the best thing I can do is let someone else hone my razor(s).

Originally Posted by Rigger

I've become firmly convinced that, as a new SR shaver, the two most critical pieces of honing equipment I can have are my checkbook and my Visa card; until I know more and develop my techniques, the best thing I can do is let someone else hone my razor(s).

Rigger, well said. Well said, indeed. Let a pro hone your razor in the beginning, because the edge he puts on your blade will set the standard for yours in the future.

There are many ways to embark on straight shaving. I honed the first straight I ever shaved with. I got some help at first from a Mentor here, learned a lot about dullness before I got sharpness down, but it worked fine for me.

I really like this thread. I wish I had found SRP before I started buying razors, it would have made a lot of things better. Although I'm still stubborn as well, so I had to buy the hones and try my own hand at honing before I knew what I needed to know, but at least I'm learning. Maybe a little slower than some less stubborn people, but I'm learning.

I'm getting into honing slowly. Let's see. I have been shaving with a straight for about four months now. So not that long but I am learning everything in good stride. I have a razor that has been professionally honed to serve as a benchmark. I also have a TI which did not need to be touched at all. I mean it shaved awesome right out of the box. I am sure that my technique evolved to the point where the TI was worth a damn. However, the TI served as another benchmark. I also purchased some antique razors. One has been my practice razor for restoration and honing. This weekend I think I finally got it where I want it. But if I ruined it; I will not be upset. So HAD sunk in a week ago. I have 12k natural, Norton 4k/8k combo and this weekend I purchased 1k natural stone. I am sure I will get more but for now my HAD has beed quenched. I am really glad I got the 12k for maintenance. I guess this others I did not really need. Well, you have to learn sometime. So get a razor that will hold an edge to learn from. I guess just test it on you arm hairs. Anyway, my .02 cents. I have had some bumps along the way, literally I had a few razor bumps. There have been a lot of frustrations. I will say I would not have done this if I knew it were going to be easy.

you have a great post there. I am sure that your post will help many noobs out and it will give many ppl a heads up great work!

All newbs should begin this sport with the anticipation of one day honing your own blades (IMO)
You must start with a pro-honed blade,this is mandatory from the gitgo,you must first learn how to strop your blade.
Give yourself a 6 month timeline,during that 6 mos. you have alot to learn,none of which should involve hones.
In that timeframe look for 3 things,A bevel setter, a norton 4/8 and scour your area for some decent inexpensive blades.Blades with near perfect geometry (the worst thing you can do as a novice, is try to hone blades with problems)
Leave those to the experts.
If after 6 mos. you are still enthused,go for it,after reading and watching all you can find here on SRP and all over the net.
Chances are, you may be succesfull,if honing is not for you,than sell your stuff for maybe a 30% loss.
Honing is great fun (succesfull honing) Honing can also bring great sorrow you have alot to learn,but at least try it,down the long twisting path

Originally Posted by Jimbo

The other way to view all of this is as a continuum or progression gradient, as opposed to an "on-off" step function.

What kind of a statistician are you, if you have not befriended Dirac's delta function!!!! Gormlessish and twittish, no doubt . No point of opposing something when you can simply assimilate it .