Thread: Beginner Honing Question

Thanks a ton everyone for all the responses, I really appreciate it! And just to clarify, my one good shaver has been professionally honed twice (had to send it off again after I accidentally knicked the edge:/). I've been using my barber hone to maintain it for the past 5 or 6 months and it has worked out great. I've also had 7 other razors just SITTING on my shelf waiting to be put into commission, so this is long overdue.

From the feedback that I've gotten, I think I'll go with a DMT, 1000, & 4k/8k. I'm stoked to get started...and pretty nervous (really hope I don't end up destroying my blades). I'm just about to start my last semester of law school, and our second child is due early february, so of course I need a new hobby right now. Looks like I'll be writing-off any studying that might have happened during my free time (unless of course that studying has to do with honing.

I'll be sure to keep you guys updated. Cheers!

Originally Posted by GC7

I would HIGHLY suggest that you send out one of your best shavers and get it honed to the point where it is as good as it is going to get. Shave with this razor and maintain it and you will have a benchmark to work with for your own honing.

Good luck!

Be careful with this thinking. While it makes good sense to utilize a professionally honed razor as a benchmark of sorts, you can easily make the mistake of trying to replicate that same edge with the stones you have. In all likelihood the pro you sent your razor to probably finished the edge on something a step or two beyond what you have. Attempting to replicate that same edge with what you have can cause you to overhone your edge on stones that can't replicate the keenness that good finishing stones deliver. Know what shave ready means. But don't be fooled into thinking that you'll replicate their work with a lesser set up. Later you'll understand the limitations of your stones and will know what advanced hones will provide. For now, know that what you have can deliver a good shaving edge but it will be a step or two behind that pro honed edge. Don't overhone trying to get it as good as the pro honed edge.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Be careful with this thinking. While it makes good sense to utilize a professionally honed razor as a benchmark of sorts, you can easily make the mistake of trying to replicate that same edge with the stones you have. In all likelihood the pro you sent your razor to probably finished the edge on something a step or two beyond what you have. Attempting to replicate that same edge with what you have can cause you to overhone your edge on stones that can't replicate the keenness that good finishing stones deliver. Know what shave ready means. But don't be fooled into thinking that you'll replicate their work with a lesser set up. Later you'll understand the limitations of your stones and will know what advanced hones will provide. For now, know that what you have can deliver a good shaving edge but it will be a step or two behind that pro honed edge. Don't overhone trying to get it as good as the pro honed edge.

what happens if you over hone the edge?

Originally Posted by kkajihiro

what happens if you over hone the edge?

You can get a wire edge to form or you can get some micro chipping. Basically, the edge you are working so hard to improve begins to deteriorate. Your shaves will not be pleasant and the edges may be short lived.

I wouldn't be afraid of over-honing though. After I set my bevel on 4k I will 'carefully' run my thumb and forefinger, pinched, along the edge (always moving slowly away from the edge) to check for a wire edge (you can feel grittyness). If it's present, a few light x-strokes on the 4k will remove it quickly and then on to the 8k as normal

Sounds like a good plan, DSC-Also, as is oft- repeated around here, avoid getting any finishers above that 8 k until you've really maxed out its potential for some time on all your razors. I think you'll be surprised how good an edge you can get with that and some good stropping.

My two cents Dcs go with the chosera 1k and the norton4/8 .. There is just so much info about those stones here.. And there both proven hones.. I'm no pro but just IMO

Well, this is what I ended up with:

DMT 325 off Amazon, and a used set of hones off the bay (I know I probably shouldn't have, but I couldn't resist) consisting of DMT 1200, Norton 4k/8k, and a Norton flattening stone.

The set cost me $86 plus tax, with a grand total coming to $138 for everything.

What say ye? Does that sound like a fair price for everything, or did I get taken for a ride with the ebay set? Is there anything in particular I should look for when I get my used hones? Here is a picture from the ebay ad.

seems like a fair price if there are no issues with the equipment. congrts!

Success! I just finished my first hone. I'm sure there is a lot I could do better (I admit, I used two hands), but IT SHAVES! I'm actually quite flabbergasted, after 3 passes my face is smooth as ever!

...Looks like I have found a hobby within a hobby.