Thread: Simple honing supplies

I agree with sticky above

Originally Posted by joecool911

I am interested in refreshing an edge. I've not abused my razor. Just needs to be refreshed. I watched the DVD and there is so much info covered that I cannot figure out where to begin.

Is there just a couple stones that will allow me to freshen my razors edge?

As mentioned a barber hone, Norton 4/8K combination stone, or Naniwa 3/8K combination stone is what you need.

If you were my student, I wouldn't even let you touch a stone finer than an 8K until you learned to provide consistently good edges off the "foundation" stones. Without a proper foundation, how can you build a proper house?

I'll throw in my vote for a Norton 4k/8k. That is just about the most plain vanilla hone out there; scads of us on the site have used one and can answer your questions based on experience.

Barber's hones are good, too, but there are so many kinds of them. That makes it a little harder to get a broad body of consistent advice the way you can with a Norton. I already had a barber's hone--an 00 Frictionite, and a very good coticule before I bought my Norton 4/8. It wasn't until I had the Norton and doggedly followed the wiki instructions for pyramid honing that I had my first honing success. From that plain vanilla base I have played with lots of other stones.

Beware HAD. It lurks beneath every stone you lift!

there is a Chinese waterstone on ebay with a slurry stone for about 12 bucks. I bought one and after flattening it I have to say it is nice. It really can't be beat for 12 bucks and will finish any razor I have. It is a good starter finisher.
It is about 5x1.5 inches.

Stingray

Depends on how much work your razor needs. If just a refresh only, a barber's hone or any higher grit hone will do. If it needs a little more, perhaps the Norton 4/8 will be best.

A coti with plain water will work great, it also gives the options to do more heavy work in the future. Coti's are very, very versatile.