Thread: Curing HAD, what worked for me

So I've been suffering ever since I started straight razor shaving over a year ago. In that time I've acquired 2 Coticules. A size 8 La Dressante bout and a 7x2 La Grise both very different but work awesome.

I've acquired a 6x2 BBW which rarely sees use, it polishes hunting knives sometimes. I've got 2 synthetic combo stones a 400/1000 and a 3000/8000 which I never use. I have been meaning to get rid of them but have never gotten around to it.

I also have a DMT DIA-FLAT , not the 8c but the stupid expensive one that's not noticeably different at all from the 8c, maybe a little flatter but really who is going to be able to tell?

I then ventured into oilstones, picking up an old 8x2 Washita stone, which turned out to be a hell of a stone. Maybe the best stone I own. I then bought an 8x3 Black Arkansas which I am in the process of breaking in, also a real beauty.

Now that's when it hit me. I've got all these beautiful stones, I've got all these beautiful razors. I've got a lot of ways to make a razor shave ready and sharpen knives, tools and scissors for the rest of my life. Why must I keep collecting stones, I already have some that I don't use that often some rarely ever. Sitting around collecting dust.

The part that got me was there is someone out there who could be looking for a stone for whatever reason and why should I have tons while they struggle to find one they can use and one that speaks to them. I'm not saying that I don't need more then one stone. I'm just saying I don't need multiples of the same type of stone or even tons of stones. I know that I am set for life in the stone department. Sure I may want more because I'm always in search of the best edge possible. The best edge possible isn't in having tons of stones, it is in being able to max out the edge on the stones you do have. That is the revelation I had today.


I am no longer going to "collect/buy" stones just to have them and use them once in a while. Not that I originally intended or bought the different hones for that reason, it just ends up like that due to our preferences and what we find out works for us. Some stones just fall into neglect and that's a sad thing which is why i'm going to let my brothers who need them get them and continue to work with the stones I do have until I am satisfied I can no longer improve the edge. I've got a long way to go but I know that having more stones isn't going to solve the problem of not being able to hone or hone well. The stone doesn't make you a better honer.

How have you guys cured had? Or haven't you?