Thread: Honing with sandpaper?

Have any of you gents ever tried honing with a high-grit sandpaper before?

I'm new to straight razor shaving, so I'd appreciate any thoughts on this idea...

I've not, but I understand it can be done, in a pinch. As far as I'm aware it's usually followed by pasted strops, to give a smother shave.

If you were to try, ensure you have a nice true flat surface & use wet & dry paper.

I'm sure experts will be along.

That has come up before and I don't remember the reasons but those who had tried it weren't happy with the result.

it has been done .The only reason for it is cheap price. Can you do it yes . must keep it perfect flat surface for sandpaper. gl

I know some people use lapping films at higher grits and sandpaper at lower grits. You need to make sure you have a flat surface and that the paper is stretched out really well so it doesn't bunch and round your edge.

Well I gave it a try with my Dovo on some 1,500-2,000 grit 3M paper and I'll be darned... it worked!!!

The previously unhoned Beast that once mauled my face can now shave

It's not as sharp as my replaceable blade straight (of course), but it can basically compare to it's 3rd shave performance.

I think I'll go hunting for some finer grit stuff this weekend and see how sharp I can get this thing...

Originally Posted by ben.mid

I've not, but I understand it can be done, in a pinch. As far as I'm aware it's usually followed by pasted strops, to give a smother shave.

If you were to try, ensure you have a nice true flat surface & use wet & dry paper.

I'm sure experts will be along.

There is sand paper and there is sand paper.

The fine grit abrasive films supported on glass or
other flat base can do a good job. It is also possible
to get diamond on film as fine as micron and
submicron grades (3M). The silicon carbide films
are more available, work fine and are less expensive.

Use the web and search for "Pinnacle® Honing Guide"
and for "scary sharp".

They cut very fast. With care they can be used to replace all
but the finer finishing hones, IMO.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

There is sand paper and there is sand paper

Aside from the specialty stuff, the same is also true of regular sandpaper. For example, I tried starting from scratch with 2000 grit sandpaper of an unknown variety and had poor results. Did the exact same thing (lots of circles at first) with P2000 grit SIA sandpaper and was extremely pleased with the results. Seems like the abrasive broke down as I was using it and produced a finer and finer edge. I could shave pretty well right off of it, and even better after using my finishing hones.

I shaved for a few months off of sandpaper up to 2000 grit I "wetted" to make stick to my desktop. Then a 1/2" wide Spyderco "fine" stone out of their Sharpmaker device. Followed with a TON of stropping on some balsa strops with hardware store jeweler's rouge and some homemade strops made from saddle cinch strap.

Point is, yep...it can be done.


It doesn't begin to compare with the edges I shave with now...but I've spent some money and a lot of time since then. 16k shapton, *good* Chromium Oxide, and better honing technique go a long way.

Those early edges left me pretty irritated. Nowadays, well lets just say I'm happier. But it sure can be done with a lot less than most of us use.

Originally Posted by kenny1775

Well I gave it a try with my Dovo on some 1,500-2,000 grit 3M paper and I'll be darned... it worked!!!

The previously unhoned Beast that once mauled my face can now shave

It's not as sharp as my replaceable blade straight (of course), but it can basically compare to it's 3rd shave performance.

I think I'll go hunting for some finer grit stuff this weekend and see how sharp I can get this thing...

I see you are located in Canada, if you happen to be near a Lee Valley store, they carry a large selection of sandpaper and lapping film.