Thread: What is up with all the honing inconsistency

Originally Posted by ace

I started with a Shavette and knew right away I didn't want to have to depend on someone else for sharp edges. So I learned to hone while shaving with the Shavette. When I could produce a shave ready edge, the Shavette sat idle while I shaved with my straights. I rather like honing, both the act of it and being able to create my own edges.

Ace, How long did it take you to learn how to hone well...?

Originally Posted by cfbmd

Ace, How long did it take you to learn how to hone well...?

It took me a month. I was quite studious about it, read all the Library stuff, watched all the videos and got some in-person help from AFDavisII of this forum. Watching someone else do it correctly can be very helpful.

I hone my own, and have always honed my own razors. Took awhile to learn how and become proficient at it, but it's very much within the reach of most, I think. I learned mostly from reading and deciphering old barber books.

When I started, barber hones were still available in most shops that sold straight razors so that's what I learned and still use. Some shops, like Ross Cutlery still sell stones/ coticles.

I think what might be confusing for some newbies is the mixup between those that just want to maintain a razor for shaving, and those who are either into this as a hobby and/ or are restorers.

I would be the former. With just a barbers hone and a strop I can maintain my razor very nicely with a honing only once a year if that. I generally buy only new stock razors, but have also bought antique store razors. But I am very picky about buying used razors and only buy ones that require very little to no restoration.

If you are into heavy restoration stuff, or are a hard core hobbiest, then I imagine that's when you get into all of the different hones, stones, bench strops, paddles, etc. As far as all the stuff about taping, pyramids, CrOX and diamond sprays, etc....
Not my bag at all.

Maybe some are intimidated by the prospect of honing after reading about all of the different methods and decide they just can't, or don't want, to do it.

Honing is really very simple if you just follow the very few fundamentals and apply the necessary practice.

Originally Posted by honedright

If you are into heavy restoration stuff, or are a hard core hobbiest, then I imagine that's when you get into all of the different hones, stones, bench strops, paddles, etc. As far as all the stuff about taping, pyramids, CrOX and diamond sprays, etc....
Not my bag at all.

Maybe some are intimidated by the prospect of honing after reading about all of the different methods and decide they just can't, or don't want, to do it.

Honing is really very simple if you just follow the very few fundamentals and apply the necessary practice.

Honing would be mostly to learn the trade and keep my personal razors sharp.... And not having to depend on someone else to do it for me.

Originally Posted by cfbmd

Honing would be mostly to learn the trade and keep my personal razors sharp.... And not having to depend on someone else to do it for me.

Agreed, that's what I would mainly want to learn it for, to keep my personal collection in tip-top shape at all times. Then maybe down the road once I'm comfortable, I could branch out and maybe look into restoring and getting a bit more into it.

I have a couple of friends who have a beautiful kitchen, but think that cooking is too much bother. Personally, I find sharpening stuff a whole lot easier.

Originally Posted by mdarnton

I have a couple of friends who have a beautiful kitchen, but think that cooking is too much bother. Personally, I find sharpening stuff a whole lot easier.

I love to cook..:-)

Originally Posted by ace

It took me a month. I was quite studious about it, read all the Library stuff, watched all the videos and got some in-person help from AFDavisII of this forum. Watching someone else do it correctly can be very helpful.

I have been watching YouTube videos from Lynn And Gssisgun... Very helpful.
Just so many choices.... I think if I do hone, I well get the Naniwa set.