Thread: Buying my first honing setup need advice !!!!

I use the Naniwa Superstones 1k, 3k and 8k. I bought the combo 3k/8k and for me this stone warped from temperature/moisture variations. Search for "curved naniwa combination" and you will find a couple of threads on this. I found that this happened not only to me. I ended up splitting my 3k/8k combo into two separate grit hones (not easy to do).

I'm very satisfied with the Naniwa super stones, and if I could start all over I would go for the same hones, but buying the 1k, the 8k and either the 3k or the 5k, but not the combo.

best,

Sedell

Can I set a bevel with a 3k ? I have a razor that is old but edge was in good condition for most part. But I have 3 straights now and dont really know how many I really need. A 3k 8k combo should be good with my 12k right can I get a cheaper 1 k like a king brand?

Originally Posted by Brag251

Can I set a bevel with a 3k ? I have a razor that is old but edge was in good condition for most part. But I have 3 straights now and dont really know how many I really need. A 3k 8k combo should be good with my 12k right can I get a cheaper 1 k like a king brand?

Why would anyone ever need more than two razors? One if you have Your own stones.....

Originally Posted by admvalentine

Why would anyone ever need more than two razors? One if you have Your own stones.....

Need? You are correct WANT and HAVE TO OWN is more like it

A 3 or 4K will do anything a 1k will do, just slower but not that much slower…

A lot depend on what you are doing with it. If you are just refreshing a razor the 3 or 4k is all you will ever need. Actually the 8K will do most of the work.

If you are removing large chips or doing major repair work a King 1k is an inexpensive solution, really any 1k will work.

I have to ask a question. You just joined (Feb2015). You have started by asking about stones for honing. My question is how long have you been using a straight razor? Are you familiar with the learning curve for getting a decent shave? Are you someone that has been sharpening knives and tools for a number of years and are you aware of the difference between honing a razor and sharpening a knife?

I am asking this because I have seen so many new SRP members that start out thinking they need to do everything all at once, spend a bunch on razors and hones and then find out it doesn't suit them and they are never heard from again. It's admirable that you want to learn to hone your own razors, but if you have read the material we have for new members you would see the caution we ask of all newbies to take it one small step at a time with learning to properly hone a razor at least 10 months down the line while you learn decent shaving techniques.

If I have made a wrong assumption then please tell us of your shaving experience and then lets see where we can help you the most to achieve your goals in SRP.

I am a avid hunter and have honed knives that can peel skin right off a buck with ease. I never honed a razor but I am wanting to restore a few old ones I have received. My father was a union barber and has an old barber stone but I think if I am going to continue shaving with a straight I should maintain them. I love shaving with straights ( no irritation and or ingrown hairs ).

Brag251, thank you for your reply. It helps to know one's background regarding straight razors. I take it then that you have been using a straight for a number of years? If so, you don't need to worry or concentrate on proper technique. As to learning to hone a straight, that is a different matter. as evidenced over the years we have gained many members that are accomplished sharpeners of knives and tools and have plunged right in on the honing only to learn that the difference is like the distance of the Earth to Jupiter, vast and another world of learning. The transition can be an easy one if you can keep several things in mind at all times. Please note, my most recent Mentoree is an avid hunter like you and early on wanted to learn to hone his blades. Only because he was of a methodical nature and open to learning and adjusting to new procedures was he able to easily acquire the honing skill. His first understanding was that the two are dissimilar, that patience is a virtue and that slow is the speed that wins the race. With that understanding you should have no problems transitioning into razor honing and all it's methods and arguments that abound as to methods.

I just did a quick scan of the members list (under community). Currently there are no Mentors listed for Indiana and you are the only SRP member listed for Munster. If you go to community, click Search Members, then Advanced Search and type in Indiana you will get two pages of Indiana Members. Look at the list and sort out any Senior Member that has been posting for at least a year or two (no way of knowing if any on the list are active or not). There is a column of number of posts also shown. That usually indicates a heavy involvement with SRP. Some of them are probably honing their own razors and it would help you immensely to PM a number of them and find one that has done that successfully and is willing to meet with you for a one on one because then you will see the difference in procedures, methods and most importantly, the pressure need on the stone to get a good edge.

I do hope this will be of help. One more question, are you a hot/warm water shaver or a cold/tepid water shaver?

My diamond hones are too harsh for the razor I think and my 1k stone is just a run of the mill $30 I bought at a knife show and to be honest after using it for knives that cut meat and have vlood on them it kinda grosses me out even though I am a professional Firefighter/Medic ( lol ).

Hi Razorfeld thanks for checking in on that for me. I live literally a mile from IL border and Chicago is 25 min away.