Thread: Razor to learn to hone on.?.

Copper, you won't get anyone telling you differently about the Norton 4/8. I actually bought one 'cause I'd never used the 8k norton and wanted to know how it worked so I could tell guy just learning to hone. No wonder its a much-loved rock.

On razors, I'm like Jimbo and Earcutter. I find the 4/8 size harder for my size XL hands to hold comfortably, and the larger sizes easier to keep flat. Most guy think any old fleabag from the bay or antique store will do. Although my saying this this will be ignored, stay far away from those razors for now. Unless you get really lucky, the state of the bevel and spine will make it much harder to learn what a normal stroke is supposed to feel like. Its an art of learning to assess minute inputs in feel while you hone. It takes time. If you keep a professionally honed razor on hand to compare your work to - you always have something to shave with, and a way to assess your progress. I and countless others have done likewise. I can say the Glen's 30k shapton edge is SHARP.

In terms of ease to learn with, the 6/8 size was easiest for me to keep flat. The edge should be straight - no smile. If it has a frown, send it out for professional restoration and honing and then try to hone it. Hollow or extra-hollow will respond quickly to the stones. When you reliably get a comfortable shave from an 8k finish - either try other sizes and grinds or maybe a higher grit finisher. The Nani 12k is ALOT of bang for the buck at about $80.

If you are easily discouraged when you don't get instant success, honing is not for you. It takes time to learn what 'no pressure' really means. Keep posting questions here & its virtually certain you'll get it and have a Wow experience that comes from shaving with your own edges and really liking it. Best of luck.

Where would I be able to find a razor to learn to hone on people tell me to stay away from eBay???

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

Think I'm gonna give honing a try but I don't wanna destroy a good razor learning any recomendations?? Is the norton 4000,8000 a good stone to learn on I don't wanna spend a lot of cash on this stuff if I never get the nack

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

Where would I be able to find a razor to learn to hone on people tell me to stay away from eBay???

You might want to consider or give this a try, Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

There are a few razors on the classifieds here that are cheap from time to time. That's where I would start.

Cheapest one I can find right now is $49.00 - but it looks like it might be a great little shaver too! Reduced Wester Bros Manganese - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Sorry i love that brand so i bought it.
I beat ya it will shave great.

I cann't disargee with getting ya stuff a good vintage peice of steel
the only reason it's dirt cheap is cause it's not the pertest.
But is able to hold a fine edge.
My only interest in gathering up more and more straight razors
is shaving with them.
But do treat them like they are precise steel.
The thing i always wonder should i edge them on the stones with
elerical tape or no tape. Cause when i don't use tape i do see the spin getting
marked up. is that cause i only putting presure on the blade. I use the stones with
just water though.

I too am learning how to hone, and I bought a few Gold Dollar razors to learn on. I have one GD that came shave-ready (and it actually shaves nice!) so I know that it's possible to get it there myself, so we'll see what happens...As China-made razors go, Gold Dollars quality doesn't seem to be too too bad actually...

Originally Posted by jpcwon

I too am learning how to hone, and I bought a few Gold Dollar razors to learn on. I have one GD that came shave-ready (and it actually shaves nice!) so I know that it's possible to get it there myself, so we'll see what happens...As China-made razors go, Gold Dollars quality doesn't seem to be too too bad actually...

Yea i heard they have gotten better as for as the quality.
People used to have to throw out 50 percent of those blades they bought.
now heard it's down to 10 percent. a much better ratio.
people have said they heat treat them better. so for dirt cheap you get a blade to practice pining and un pining.
customize it. and to pratice engaving if some one fancy doing those things.
it's a good blade to go to town on with the dremel tool thing.

Antique stores, Ebay, Dovo website, Boker website, other SR sites online, the classifiedds here. Whippeddog razors are already shave ready...I wouldn't pay that much if I was going to ruin his hone job as soon as I got it. There are TONS of good looking, and easily honeable razors at antique stores for ten dollars-ish. They aren't super collectible usually, but so long as the geometry of the grind is in good shape, and the blades not rusted, that's the option I'd consider first. People tell you to stay away from Ebay if you don't know what you're doing. It's not that Ebay is inherently bad. It's that it is a market where anyone can list merchandise, and anyone can buy it. Uninformed buyer+uninformed seller=potential problems. Not all sellers are uninformed. But you are definitely new. So it'll be safer for you to buy a razor you can hold in your hand before you pay any money.

Gold Dollar razors are dirt cheap. I know they need the stabilizer ground down, but that's not a big job if you have a dremel.