I'm Probably a Bit Confused (did I do the right thing)

[carlmaloschneider]

I've been reading and 'listening' quite a bit about honing. I'm gathering the basic requirements to keeping a razor sharp is a 'barber's hone', but I can't seem to find out what that actually IS. I've also read that Norton 4k/8k are pretty basic. I've read than some (but not many) can shave off a 8k. I have no interest in HHTs, I intend to test the edge by shaving. I have a razor that I've shaved with and stropped for the last two months; but it's telling me it needs a touch up. I want to really only start with touch ups if possible, and move to full blown honing if and when needed. I MAY think of pastes for my Dovo strop (which has a canvas side). I've just bought a Norton 4k/8k combo AND a Shapton 16k ceramic on tempered glass. I intend to touch up with the 16k, and then use the 4k/8k and 16k when needed (and when I learn more). I considered just the Norton and Chromium Oxide paste to put on my Dovo strop, but I do use the canvas ('raw') each morning (30 laps) followed by the leather (70 laps) and didn't want to relegate the canvas to just the CRO. Do you think this is a reasonable plan? Of course I'm watching videos and reading a lot; and of course I'll take it REALLY slowly....

[MickR]

Not exactly sure of what your plan is in reading that Carl. I can tell you that you can shave off 8000 and a decent stropping, but a smoother shave is had from a better finishing hone first (my experience only goes to C12k/PHIG's).

I don't like pastes myself but that opinon has no basis in experience.

I would also suggest you should have no need of pastes with the hones you mentioned you're acquiring. Others opinions may vary, but in reality I would think, if you can't get a razor to shave comfortably with those hones, then pastes sure as hell won't help.

Honing isn't as scary as it's made out to be...really! Sure there are razors out there that will test the most experienced of razor guru, but if you've done the research, and it sounds like you have, you're already going to be well equiped to start any problem solving process' that may be required for your own personal situation and razors.

Anyway, hope that is some help and comfort to you mate. If I can hone my own, anyone can.


Mick

[carlmaloschneider]

I'm not EXACTLY sure what my plan is either Mick! I read tonight that some can shave off an 8k (if they're good at honing) but maybe one needs to be pretty good at honing to do so? I was thinking with the 16k pastes won't be needed (and you seem to confirm that). I'm a bit worried about the 'bevel' thing. I've read about using a texta to mark the edge but I'm not exactly sure how the whole thing works, really. My plan really is to touch up with the 16k, and to use very few passes on it initially, just to see what difference it makes. I'll borrow the USB microscope of my grandson to see what I can see. I understand that you can't just touch up a blade for ever, at some stage you need to do a 'proper' hone, hence the 4k/8k followed by the 16k. I realise this probably makes little sense. Sometimes too much information is a problem. I really want to go to like a honing 'class' or something, but I think I'm dreaming about THAT possibility! Thanks for the reply. I'll document what I do and 'report back'! :-)

[MickR]

Alright, I think I see where you're coming from. Keeping in mind that I keep things as simple as possible as a personal preference, simply because I can't imagine many an old time barber using a microscope to check his edges. Now I'm no master honer but I have managed to shave off 6000, not my best days shave all the same, and not something I would care to repeat now that I know better.

Bevel setting is something you shouldn't be worried about at this stage, as you are already using a sharp razor that will only need to be freshened up. Bevel setting will, or should, only come into play if you have the misfortune of damaging the edge or are restoring a razor.

Texta pen is great stuff. I use it to see just what is going on during the honing process. It will tell you which part/s of the blade are making contact and which part/s aren't. I don't think there is a single razor out there, that has a perfectly straight edge. Once you know where the trouble spots lie, you can then modify your honing stroke to include those areas.

There is no better honing class than what you will find here mate, but I know what you mean. You want that human being standing beside you to tell you if you've got it right or not. Have faith in yourself.


Mick

[mainaman]

you should be fine with 16k GS after 8k Norton, and for touch ups.
You will have to learn how to get best result out of the two stones, but that is where the fun is.

[JimmyHAD]

When you are a beginner at honing, and you have the higher grit hones at your disposal, the point of shaving off of the 8k is to insure that you are getting the razor sharp at that level before you proceed to the higher grit. At least that is the way I was taught. When you can get a smooth and comfortable shave at the 8k level you know that you're honing well. For some members here the 8k is as far as they like to go. A piece of leather or felt glued to a relatively flat base, wood, plexiglass, or whatever, and impregnated with chrom-ox is a wonderful tool to smooth out a harsh edge or enhance a sharp one even more. Here is a bit more info on how to get that done. Definitely leave your daily strop paste free and use a dedicated piece for paste or spray.

[FacialDirt]

All the advice is appreciated. Just reading all the posted ?'s and A's, I've broadened my knowledge of honing-to-come. Two ?'s of my own, though: Is it a good idea to buy used honing blocks either from our classified ads or elsewhere? How many times can a 6/8, half hollow edge be honed? Just wondering. Thanks -Dan

[Blix]

You will do fine with the Norton and Shapton I'm sure, no need to overthink this!
What I found extremely helpful when I started honing, was watching Glens honing videos, I watched them all and picked up a lot of great tips for getting started. Start here:

[thebigG]

I believe this is a barbers hone
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[carlmaloschneider]

Thanks very much again everyone, you guys are always really helpful. Thanks for the advice on the Texta, Mick, and the video, Blix (I'll watch that now). That hone looks a bit rough for me, thebigG!

Also watched trhe video just now on honing on a Norton4/8. I've realised I need a cleaning stone to make the slurry too; look like I can get one for 12 bucks at Carba-taec :-)

Oh, the other think I clearly need to do is learn to say "at this point in time" a lot :-)