Thread: Needing a hone soon I suppose...

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Another vote for the Belgian coticule and a natural combo if possible. A 150x50mm is good and a 200x50mm is even better IME. Bart will set you right if you get with him.

Anyone ever heard of an unnatural combo: one where a chunk of the yellow is glued to a chunk of the blue? A how about that bout, or ain't that a boutiful hone?

Originally Posted by Dorian

A LOT for a newbie to absorb! Confusing, as many things seem personal preference
......
Anyway, I am looking for a really keen edge. I don't want to feel the blade as I shave. I am looking for a "hot-knife-through-butter" every shave!
......

Now is that a hot knife and cold butter or a hot knife and room temp butter.

I can tell ya that a hot knife does not just glide through butter from the freezer.

And to set expectations you will feel the blade shave you,
just different with a sharp .vs. duller blade.

Having said that, look into a paddle strop or balsa hone
with 1 or 0.5 micron diamond for use on it to use as a go
to touch up hone. A good blade can stay sharp for a LONG time
with only stropping so no need to rush on this.

If you desire a stone look for something in the 12K-30K range
depending on the flavor. IMO the first stone to be used to
touch up a well cared for blade will be the last stone used
in the progression used to hone it.

When the 12K-30K range touch up does not renew it then
sending it out or the equivalent of a Norton 4/8K hone should
be considered. That need might be a lot further out. Perhaps
more than 6 months beyond the need for the first touch up.

Used correctly a Belgian coticule can do the job too.

You do need a fine touch... a touch fine enough to feel
a feather brand blade cut whiskers like mine.

Have fun and welcome to the adventure.