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I am new to straight shaving and would like suggestions on what stones I should get?
I will practice honing with a cheap razor and my aim at the moment is to be able to touch up the razor once just stropping isn't enough. In the long run I would like to hone/Restore my own razors.
I have read a lot of threads here and would like to invest in a set of good stones and would appreciate any suggestions :)
For now your best bet would be a barber hone or one of the various finishing hones on the market. (Naniwa 12k, PHIG, Coticule, Thuringian, etc...)
Once you're comfortable with refreshing your edge then look into buying a set of lower grit stones.
If you want them all now, you could do that as well. Any of the quality synthetics will serve you well. You won't go wrong with Norton, Naniwa, or Shapton.
There are lots of right answers here... If your budget allows, just buy them all! ;)
I'll say +1 to HNSB. A finishing stone or barber's hone is all you really need to maintain your edge.
When you start picking up all the antique store specials, that when you'll need a series of progressive grits.
Having tried a number of hones, if I was to start again I would get a coticule first. One hone, you can take a ebay special up to HHT sharp. Really. It is the best minimalist option, and it is not really a compromise. They do a great job.
Don't worry too much about veins and layers, etc. Get one in a size you like and practice with it. It will be all you need until you start doing specialised stuff.
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
If I get a Thuringian for the time being would that suffice?
Sorry if the questions are silly but am a complete newbie.
Yes, a thuri would suffice, very nice stones.Quote:
Originally Posted by reefer
A barbers hone or a thuri, A barbers hone is the 1st suggestion I would make, it is harder to screw up the edge while learning, thuris are slow cutters as well. IMO a barbers hone should be your first hone, it will allow you to learn proper stroke.