Thread: Need advise for first hone session

I just received my first stone to use for straight razors. It is a Naniwa 12k SS. I have been shaving with a Str8 since February. So far all I have done is strop and strop with 0.5 micron paste on canvas side of strop. It has stayed in good shape but probably not as sharp as when I first bought it. I also lapped the stone already with 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper on top of a sheet of glass that I bought. I just want to bring it close to how sharp it was when I got it from SRD

So I have a few questions
1) My razors are from SRD. Did Lynne use tape or no tape to hone?
2) How many times per side should I hone on average if razors are say a 7/10 in sharpness (10 being when Lynn honed it)
3) When I am done with 12k, should I strop with canvas, canvas with cromium paste, or leather?
3) Any other tips or suggestions?

thanks.

I would take 15 laps with it, strop and test shave. I believe I've read that Lynn does not use tape but I can't speak for him. And crox is fine to use after. The 12k is a great stone and great value for the money. Good luck and enjoy.

Originally Posted by bill3152

I would take 15 laps with it, strop and test shave. I believe I've read that Lynn does not use tape but I can't speak for him. And crox is fine to use after. The 12k is a great stone and great value for the money. Good luck and enjoy.

15 laps a side or total?

Would you just do straight to leather strop or use croc on canvas then leather?

Thanks

Originally Posted by joepa150

15 laps a side or total?

Would you just do straight to leather strop or use croc on canvas then leather?

Thanks

We usually mean up and back as one pass.

Off of a 12k skip the crox unless your soon to be acquired experience leads you to expect a uncomfortably harsh edge. Make sure to remove any stray grit from the razor before stropping, it is annoying to contaminate a strop.

Jonathan

Originally Posted by Datsots

We usually mean up and back as one pass.

Off of a 12k skip the crox unless your soon to be acquired experience leads you to expect a uncomfortably harsh edge. Make sure to remove any stray grit from the razor before stropping, it is annoying to contaminate a strop.

Jonathan

Thanks. I am going to attempt this later today.

Crox can be useful and everyone has a differing view on it. It can give you some added sharp and smooth but you can overdue it. I use it with very light pressure on linen hanger. You dont have to and you will get differing opinions. Regarding webbing I use it after honing for 25 back and forth then leather for 60 or more.

If your just starting I would stick with just the 12k to start then linen, leather and shave. The 12k will leave an edge easily capable of shaving off and smooth as well. If you find it slightly lacking you can always crox before your second shave and strop. At least this way you know the capability of the 12k and what it will provide for you.

Originally Posted by eddy79

If your just starting I would stick with just the 12k to start then linen, leather and shave. The 12k will leave an edge easily capable of shaving off and smooth as well. If you find it slightly lacking you can always crox before your second shave and strop. At least this way you know the capability of the 12k and what it will provide for you.

+1...well put. If you do the 12k and CroX off the bat you'll never know what the 12k is capable of by itself!