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hey guys. well money is a bit tight...so looking for used strops and hones. even if its just cause you upgraded to bigger better things. I can pay like 25 or 30 for a usable strop and hone. thanks
B
heh, mparker was nice enough to send me a razor to use but ive only been able to shave with it once cause i dont have a strop yet!
shave with it again
it is prolly sharper now then it will be after you strop it for the 1st time :) :) don't forget that learning curve to strop a razor as most people end up rolling or dulling their first blade as they learn.
Have you considered using a leather belt as a strop? That does work.
graphix, send me a pm or email me. I've got a few strops cut out that have been waiting for a while. I can try to finish one really quick and send it to you. Then you can focus your money on the hone.Quote:
Originally Posted by graphix
Glen F
You might also consider razor hones as a cheaper alternative.
http://www.redtrader99.com/
Check some of the threads on these. The two main reasons I've seen why folks don't like them in comparison to say a Norton is that they are smaller and the grit size is not well known. On the plus side, learning to hone on them isn't that hard and the small size has its advantages. Its easier to handle, store and transport. Also they can be used wet or dry, so you don't have to soak them. ( saves time. ) Lastly, the numbers thing on the grit is IMHO more of a modern hangup and is only useful up to a point.
You can go cheap on the hones if you buy the 4k and 8k slip-stones from these guys: http://w-u.com/wucatresults.htm?snum=26375
I had to pay twice the price as I was forced to shop from their CDN distributor, but still got a good deal on hones that got several razors shave ready before I bought a Norton. Didn't have great experiences with the Lithide I bought from Tilly.
Norton will get your edges shave ready-faster and a slight bit sharper but if you buy one of those bench-hones from Tony Miller (the $15.95 one would be all you need) and some 0.5 micron chromium oxide abrasive paste from Keith @ Hand American, it will only take a few extra strokes on the bench hone to get your blades every bit as sharp as mine.
Another advantage of buying one from Tony is that he may have some seconds lying around that he'd be willing to sell at a pretty low price, especially if you buy the bench hone from him. That way you kill 2 birds with one stone. By the way I have nothing against you taking Glen up on his VERY generous offer, but the Tony Miller option would be better for you in the long run, because you'd have a fine finisher right off the bat.
The slipstones FireStart mentioned are a good product. I have a Norton and a 220-1000 grit combo waterstone, but I still use my little 4000-grit slipstone quite a bit. It's small, so I find it easier to keep the pressure even throughout a stroke.
Also, you can rub the 4000 and 8000 stones together to create a slurry on the 4k stone, which will polish a bevel in a hurry. I use this when I have a razor that's coming off of the 1000 stone. It polishes off the 1K scratches in 30 to 50 laps, no problem.
So either way they may be something you'll keep using in the end.
Josh
Brendan, (graphix)
When I went to my mailing service to print shipping labels I got an error on your name/address. I need you to get in touch with me so I can get this shipped.
Glen F