Thread: Hello! and Is it supposed to be this terrifying/thrilling?

100 on each you probably overhoned the crap out of it in my opinion, but I'm far from being an expert! For a rough guesstimate, once the edge looks clean (just scratches, no visible nicks) on the coarse try the pyramid method described in the library here starting at 10 or 15 strokes, maybe using your 15 & 3, followed by 20ish on the .3, strop & shave. if it isn't right go back to the pyramid. Do remember the fewer strokes you use the better. You're less likely to overhone & the razor will last much much longer.

I would recommend investing in a norton 4x8 and maybe a 12k or so water stone. That's what I have & I'm very happy with the results so far.

Thank you! I think the Norton 4+8 and a 12k are just what the doctor ordered! I'd feel bad killing a 100-year old razor.

I would recommend investing in a shave ready straight razor from the vendor of your choosing. Then spending the next month MINIMUM on shaving with it, and stropping it everyday. After that I'd say you still have a long way to go to a shaving sharp edge. But since I couldn't wait longer than a month to start trying to hone, I can't really tell you to wait any longer. Guess what? It still took me another 6-8 months to get it right. So I'd say in all honesty, pull in the reigns a little, and learn to use the equipment first. One week with a shavette is nowhere near enough time to have a clue about evaluating a razors edge for shaving. I do enjoy your enthusiasm though.

Mr C-Cat,

Getting the Norton 4x8 is great! I'm still green to shaving, but have been sharpening knives and tools for years. With everything there is a learning curve, I would suggest watching videos, and there are many to watch. One thing I've noticed, and I have done the same thing for years, is sometimes, for the sake of not driving people nuts with manusha, small things are left out of explanations because they are obvious. But not obvious to someone who have never seen/done something. NOW, my example. I was told to pick up a 4x8 stone, I did, never had one before. To me, it didn't feel right, it felt courser than it should have been. Bought a Norton Lapping stone and lapped it. Holy crap!!! It turned it into a different stone!! Then, whilst watching one of Lynn's videos, he mentions that Norton 4x8's come rough sometimes and require lapping before use. I guess in a long winded I'm trying to say, don't just watch one video and think that's all you need to know. Lynn's video was the only one I have seen that mentions the new stones being rough. I'm glad I didn't just pop that 4x8 outta the box, soak it and start dragging a blade around on it.

Good luck, and, happy honing!!!

I concur that all you'll ever need is a Norton 4/8K and a Nani 12K. I wish that someone had told me that when I first started. It would have saved me a ton of money and a lot of headaches.