Thread: Honing sequence for refreshing (beginner)

I got myself a king 6k, shapton 8k, and shapton 12k. I've been hand honing my own sport knives for years now but never my own straight. Does this seem like a decent sequence for keeping a good sharp or should I incorporate something else?

It depends on what you are going to do, maintaining or restoration and what you will be honing.

You may need a bit more stone for restoration and repair, a 1k. Other than that, the jump from 1-6 is a bit wide, but doable.

Add a Chrome Oxide pasted strop and you should be good.

I suggest you buy an inexpensive razor to practice on. I generally use one layer of electrical tape mainly to protect the spine. If you need to set a bevel you may need a courser stone.

How important is the tape on the spine? How much wear shoes over time. ..etc?

What types of inexpensive razors are out there that will hone like a higher end? I've seen a lot of videos of ppl honing gold dollars to a shave ready edge. ... is this fact or fiction?

Originally Posted by Dramadon3151

How important is the tape on the spine? How much wear shoes over time. ..etc?

I'm replying because I want front row seats for what's coming next.

I am no expert by any means, but do get a practice razor to start with. I dulled and set the bevel and went through my progression of stones many, many times before I ever tried the stones on my good razors.

As it is now, my 12k Nani gets the lions share of work, as I mainly just refresh blades and seldom need to go lower. Still glad I have the other stones for when they are needed.

Spend more time reading these sections, please,,,,

Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: November 2014

Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Library

Purchasing straight razors - Straight Razor Place Library

Since the title of the thread says for refreshing. I'm assuming you have a shave ready razor or plan on acquiring one. A 12k is ample for refreshing a razor and a lot of guys do that. A simple refresh doesn't require dropping to 8k or 6k. The razor needs to be shave ready though when you get it.

Yeah my straights already shave ready. So after watching lynn's video on refresh techniques, I have a better idea on what I should do. Was just wondering what other ppl do. My plan is about 8 passes and then go to the strop.