Thread: Novice Honing a Thiers-Issard

I don't know. I think too many people make too much of lapping hones. certainly some come from the factory in poor condition and I will admit that lapping does improve things but to me its a matter of degree. The fact is you should be able to do a fine job on the hone as it came from the factory.

TI's because of their lead hardening take a bit more effort to hone than dovo's and most others. I think any novice should never start with a good razor. Bettter to buy an Eboy special and practice with that to improve your skills. If the lapping doesn't work do yourself a favor and send it out to one of the honemeisters until your skills improve.

I concur with what thebigspendur said...if you aren't yet skilled at honing a straight, then send it out. You will be happy that you did. I have a couple of eBay specials and can get them nice and sharp, but wasn't able to do so with my 5/8 TI. I sent it to Lynn and now it is doing just fine. The lead hardening allows the TI's to keep and very nice edge, but also makes it nore difficult to get it that way!!!

My $0.02 worth.

- Mike