sharpening stone source

• I recently decided to take the old time plunge into straight razor shaving. Like most people I had difficulty finding a razor that was genuinely "shave ready". They were kind of getting the job done, but not really... and I had difficulty finding anyone locally (St Louis area) who could sharpen anything more delicate than a lawnmower blade. I was also having difficulty finding a set of sharpening stones, other than online. I had a breakthrough today and went to a Woodcraft woodworking store - they had many different grits and manufacturers to choose from. None of the barber/beauty supply stores I visited had anything like what I needed. I anticipate most major cities have specialty woodworking stores available.
• The stones I purchased (Shapton) are the 1000, 4000, 6000 and 8000. Got home and started honing based on Lynn's videos. I can't believe how easy the shave was and how incredibly close and smooth it turned out! I still have a lot of things to learn but really made some progress today based on figuring out where to buy those stones at and using them! No nicks, and no razor burn. Totally painless and I can't wait to shave again!
• Just wanted to share a source of where to buy sharpening stones with others that might be having problems obtaining them locally.

Congratulations, that's a great beginning! There's something special about a shave with an edge that you "made" all by your little lonesome. Of course, those may be the first of many, many hone purchases so hang on - once HAD sets in your wallet will shrink at Warp Factor 4.

Welcome.


rs,
Tack

Yes. Congrats! As Tack said there is something special about sitting down with some hones and a piece of steel and sharpening it to the point where you can comfortably shave with it. I have seen mention of woodcraft on here before mainly in reference to a Guangxi stone which is a great natural finisher that is relatively cheap. $35.00 I think.

I bought my stone holder from Woodcraft. Decent prices and a good selection of DMT, Norton, and Shapton.

Chris

I got all of my stones online and I think, I always got what I was looking for and at great prices. Online sellers have a wider selection of sharpening stones too. When buying sharpening stones online I always try to read the reviews from previous shoppers. I find it very helpful. Those comments let you know whether a stone grinds metal fast or if it is a slow cutter, If it creates a slurry or it is a hard stone, if it dishes, things like that.