Thread: steel vs demascus steel

While I am a newbe but a fast learner...I have quickly learned to shave without slashing my throat...I am hooked! Ineed to master all the shaving skills including honing and stroping the razor ...I can strope fairly as evidensed by my close shaves and I believe repetition and practice of technique will improve these skills however howdo I learn the technique to properly hone my razors? I want to
start collecting high end razors both old and new...I am interested in demaskus razors but I have been told its hard for a novice to get a good edge on them...Should I avoid buying these for now?

learning to hone isn't something that one can master by having someone say do this or that. It takes prctice and lots of it. Its really done by the feel of the edge. I would recommend you read the reference selections here concerning the technique and the pyramid system and the various tests like the hanging hair test and thumb test. These are all starting points. Also get yourself an Eboy special to practice on.

As far as the damascus goes the technique isn't radically different it just takes longer and some slight variations to fit the particular razor.

I would say slow down in your quest and master each stage one at a time.

thx for info...charlie

Also go to Radio Shack an get one of the pocket microscopes that they carry. It's 60X-100X, runs on 2 AA batteries and costs less than $10. It is invaluable for honing a str8.