Thread: Beginner Hone Question

I am looking to get a few honing stones so I can maintain my razors. I am thinking about maybe a 220, 1000, 5000. I have an antique razor that hasn't seen a shave ready edge in many years, and a few razors that only need a little refreshening. What would you recommend? Can't blow the whole budget on one stone, just looking for tried and true stones. All advice welcome.

Thanks
John

220 is too coarse, unless it's a lapping plate. Personally I have a Chosera 1k, 3/8 combo and a 12k. All Naniwas. Works nicely for me.

I would not start with a 220 grit. I would start with the 1K naniwa and then the 3/8K naniwa then for a finisher the 12K naniwa. these stones will do the job for you quite well. You can set the bevel with the 1K then the progression of 3-8K you can shave off and then for an even finer edge the 12K. These are the ones I started with and did rather well until an evil man (of course I'm kidding) showed me the difference when the 20K Suehiro was used. But the the 1-3/8-12 K naniwa stones will give you a great edge. If you get a chance watch Lynn Abrams video on the naniwa stones. He gives a great demonstration. The 220 grit would be for removing chips fast. Also you could add stones as you go. also a new stone would need lapping which can be done with wet dry sand payper about 220 grit on something flat like counter top as long as the wife don't catch you.

Originally Posted by rhensley

I would not start with a 220 grit. I would start with the 1K naniwa and then the 3/8K naniwa then for a finisher the 12K naniwa. these stones will do the job for you quite well. You can set the bevel with the 1K then the progression of 3-8K you can shave off and then for an even finer edge the 12K. These are the ones I started with and did rather well until an evil man (of course I'm kidding) showed me the difference when the 20K Suehiro was used. But the the 1-3/8-12 K naniwa stones will give you a great edge. If you get a chance watch Lynn Abrams video on the naniwa stones. He gives a great demonstration. The 220 grit would be for removing chips fast. Also you could add stones as you go.

I have seen many hours of Lynn's videos. I ordered my first straight from SRD. I am a machinist, welder, ironworker. I have only in the last 8 months found the true delicate touch that a straight razor needs to make the shave righteous. Thanks for the info!

John

I would recommend the following set up.
For lapping 325 DMT, if you want to go very cheap then sand paper.
For bevel set 1k Naniwa specialy hone (Lynn likes them a lot), or the Naniwa Chosera if you have the funds.
5k Super Stone, 8k Super Stone, 12k Super stone.
Bench strop with CrO and a hangign strop.

If you only want to maintain, you probably wouldn't need to go below 8k. I see you said you have one that hasn't seen an edge, but the question is, do you think you will want to be honing many razors from scratch, or sending those out and then maintaining them?

I would skip anything below 1K for now and get a Norton 4K/8K combo stone for refreshing an edge and if you do need to set a bevel a decent 1K (King etc) . Use some wet/dry sandpaper for lapping it's way cheaper than a 325 DMT and you won't damage it like you can with some natural stones (an Arkansas hone can kill a DMT)

Thanks ChopperDave.

Have you found that Naniwas are good stones?

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

If you only want to maintain, you probably wouldn't need to go below 8k. I see you said you have one that hasn't seen an edge, but the question is, do you think you will want to be honing many razors from scratch, or sending those out and then maintaining them?

I do want to learn to restore and maintain. I am at a point in my life that I can spend the time and gain the knowledge. I have made it to this point by learning and practicing.
I do not practice until I get it right, I practice until I can't get it wrong.

And I have been fortunate to have people in my life that know more than I do share their knowledge.

John

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Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: November 2014