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I have found in the past that I have not been able to ĝt a propped edge on to shave with. A decent edge and thick /narrow/good angled edĝe... than strop with leather. But still no go. I only have a cheap two sided / gritted wet stone from Canadian tire I use.. is this why? Or as long as you can get the edĝe ground you should be able to ĝet it shave sharp? I can't afford propped hones so any knowledge or suggestions would be great
Post a pic of the stone and any info marked on it. Some one on here should be along that can tell you about what it is. I'm fairly new so I don't have the knowledge to identify a mystery hone. Just guessing that it may be way to coarse of a stone for a razor. Which it might shave but will not give a comfortable shave. But the problem could be in the skills to use it. I've been learning and honing for about 9 months and some of my razors hone very well every time, and with some others it's hit or miss, and then there's a few which are complete misses. But someone with way more knowledge could help out a lot more than I can. And also you can go to the local help page and find someone near you to give in person help. Also try the library section for more info.
If it's a cheap 2 sided stone both sides are probably under 1000 grit. You may get it sharp enough to cut hair but not a comfortable shave. You need a much higher grit to get a smoother edge. Look at your edge with a magnifying glass. You will most likely see micro chips along the edge. Get it professionally honed and enjoy.
If you get known hones, it is easier to trouble shoot where things have gone astray. Just a guess, your hone is too coarse. It is unlikely you will find a 1000 grit or higher at CT stores. Lee Valley is the most likely walk in place to get good hones in Canada, and a couple of shave shops back east.
Yea, it probably is too course. I'm sure it's just for edging knives &a hatchets etc. Thanks gents.
If you'd like, mail me your razors and I'll hone them for you ..... or make the drive to Tillsonburg :)
Mike
If you need a good hone on the cheap I would suggest looking into barber hones. Use the fine side of the stone you have to get the bevel work done, then work the blade on the barber hone until you have something you can shave with. Swaty 2 or 3 line, Celtes, Raven, Pike, and American Hone Co. make a good shaving edge and you might be able to find a decent one on e-bay cheap if you keep your eye out. There are other good ones out there of course, but the ones I named I have hands on experience with.
Either that or scour flea markets and yard sales until you luck up on a good natural stone for cheap.
I didnt think of Barber hones
I think I have 2 or 3 of them here
Maybe due for a new home :)
most certainly I'll send them to you. What a kind gesture my friend. And I would def come visit just for the meetiń and interaction. But I don't have a vehicle. The wife works all the time. And I'm basically a stay at home father.lol that's why I try to occupy my time with a lot of creating and restoring. But hopefully some time we could meet up. Tillsonburg isn't Terribly far from Chatham.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mcbladescar
most certainly I'll send them to you. What a kind gesture my friend. And I would def come visit just for the meetiń and interaction. But I don't have a vehicle. The wife works all the time. And I'm basically a stay at home father.lol that's why I try to occupy my time with a lot of creating and restoring. But hopefully some time we could meet up. Tillsonburg isn't Terribly far from Chatham.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mcbladescar
PM sent with my contact info
Hehe, never ceases to amuse me that the hones barbers used to keep their blades shaving sharp are often the last thing folks think of with regard to straight razor maintenance. But I'll happily put my Raven hone up there with my Shapton Pro 12K, for a relatively cheap hone that thing puts a sweet edge on a blade!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mcbladescar
I would think that it's because of how many different ones there are out there. They are very plentiful on eBay for cheap. And to us who don't know that much about them, we have a hard time deciding on which ones are quality and which ones are crap.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal
Oh I understand the reason behind it. Sometimes it's hard enough to separate the wheat from the chaff with hones that are still in production. Now throw in hones that haven't been manufactured in over 50 years in some cases and it becomes a real gamble. Especially when you factor in decades of abuse and neglect, a lot are in rough shape with no guarantee they can ever be brought back to form. It's a bit of a shame no one makes a good, cheap barber's hone anymore. Sometimes I think it would simplify things greatly for (new) straight razor users. I don't think it would do much for those of us that are bitten by HAD though.
I know I've seen a lot on eBay that have looked horribly abused and are advertised as almost new.the only inexpensive finisher that I have is a c-nat from woodcraft, it works good for the price but it takes a while. Also found out that with the way they are cut they are prone to cracking. They will replace with no questions asked and they are a bear to lap. What are some brands that are known reliable barber hones? And what are some of the not as noticeable things to look out for if your only access for hone is online?
http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...rber-hone.html
this is probably the most recent thread on the subject. There are many really great barber hones, and a lot of the information out there, but it requires some sifting and searching. The bay and antique shops are alway where you will find them, with an occasional one coming up in a classifieds ad. Condition is everything. The thread I linked has some pretty decent information and quite a few really great hones specifically mentioned.