Thread: When is it ready?

Hi all. If anyone can help with this i would be very grateful. After honing, how long should i be stropping before it becomes obvious that the blade needs more honing? In other words, i need advice on how to spot that point where it becomes obvious that no amount of stropping will get the blade ready, that i have to go back to the hone? Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.

The exact same way that you have made a decision to replace a blade in a DE or change out a disposable razor..

The shave is just not "there" any longer..

Sorry. Its my fault, but i havent expressed the question right. What i mean is after i have honed it, and then go from the stone to the strop to work on its until its ready to shave with again, how can i recognise when i havent honed it correctly. My blade was well overdue for a honing, so i took it to the hone, and then started stropping it afterwards to bring it back to its best again. Problem is ive been stropping for a good while now, and its still not ready. Should i have to strop it for ages, or should it come good soon after honing.. Many thanks.

After I hone, I do about 30 linen 60 leather and it is usually good to go. I would assume if you have to strop for ages after honing and still aren't getting a proper shave you may need to go back to the hones. I'm no expert at honing but I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in

Ahhhhh

First, there are tests that you need to learn as you are honing that lead you to a "Shave Ready" edge, these let you know when the edge is even close to being ready for the strop and eventually the "Shave Test"

What equipment are you using

Razor ???
Hones ???

and was the razor "Shaving" before you took it to the hones ???

Thanks so much, yes, thats what i need to know, when honing is done and stropping should start. I have been straight razor shaving for five years but have always struggled with this. I use a 4000/8000 stone and my strop. I use the green paste, then the red, and then just leather. Ive always had good shaves, but would love to take the guesswork out of honing/stropping. Many thanks, Glen.

I would say take the time to read through this thread about honing with the 4/8 only

There is a ton of info, tips and tricks about getting the most out of that one stone, it is written by Beginners and Experts alike so it gives you a very good perspective on honing

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

There are all kinds of tests shown in that thread,, it is a long thread with many ideas and Vids take some time and read through it and watch and learn...


Keep in mind that coming off the 8k the razor should be shave ready, a strop is simply going to add a touch of "Comfort" whether it is plain Leather or Pasted..

edit: Also just to put a smile on your face this is a statement that was from years back, from a pretty senior member on here that put honing into perspective

"Oh I can hone a razor just fine, my problem comes in knowing when to stop "

I will look at that thread, Glen. Im really grateful for your help. I didnt even know that a razor coming off the 8k should be shave ready, so ive learned something just from that. Thanks again.

All you really need is hones and leather. Pastes can complicate things. If the blade has been honed well, it should shave just fine without any stropping at all. I always strop mine anyway, but I'd bet the first shave after honing should be fine without resorting to the leather strop. When you add various pastes and the techniques and media that go with them, it is sometimes more difficult to see where you've gone wrong. I'm sure there is a use for pastes, and many people use them. I never have and get fine shaves without them. Sometimes keeping things simple can lead you to more learning than adding additional steps.

Thank so much ace.