Thread: honing question

+1 on what mparker and Glen (sixgun) said on sure enough razor quality stones like the Nortons, Naniwas or Shaptons. You will hear of guys honing on Arkansas stones or whatever and getting razors sharp but unless you're a really experienced razor honer I doubt if you'll get a truly smooth and comfortable shave ready edge with those stones. With proper waterstones once you have the skill you can equal or surpass the shave you would get from a DE with good blades. I don't think you can do that with lesser hones.

Although honing is not a reconized science, we can use the tools of science, like a microscope or a loupe. Looking at a blades edge with a loupe as you progress through the stones of different grits will really open up you perception of what is happening with any given stone. Have a strong light source so you can really see the scratch patterns and the light bouncing off the edge. We all only have so much hair on our arms, and a good close look with a loupe will reserve the hair you have for when you feel you are really close to shave ready. good luck with it. Alx