Thread: My Green Monster

Building this green monster taught me some things.

The dimensions are a bit large for a CrOx balsa hone/strop.
It is 4"x32". The base is exterior grade plywood and the
balsa is common hobby shop balsa.

I built it because I felt that a long stroke on a balsa hone
might be an improvement. Thinking it would be especially
good after using a barber hone. So after the glue dried I
applied some CrOx paste and rubbed it in. Then with a
couple paper towels rubbed it to remove the excess and
even out the paste.

Then I honed a razor on a handy barber hone and then
a visit to my new toy perhaps too much but heck it was new.

Feeling excited I promptly retired to the shave den and lathered
up. AND on my first cheek darn *&%#@ not too sharp and
then it dawned on me I had yet to strop it.

Yep I took a short cut and it did not cut well.

Next I pulled down my trusty Illinois 827 and gave it
my normal 30/50 canvas leather stropping.

WOW that was the ticket. The edge was now better
than I ever obtained from that barber hone.

Summary:

• Barber hone + green monster works well.
• Do not take short cuts.

Price was right too.