Thread: What's a good razor to learn honing one?

I'm goin to attempt to hone and was wondering what are some
good cheap razors to learn on first before I attempt the real deal on my dovo?
Thank you

Most any vintage Solingen, Eskistuna or Sheffield razor in decent nick will be able to take a good shaving edge.
Check out the classifieds for something reasonably priced, and you should be fine.

Smiling razors and wedge-like grinds can be a bit more finicky on the hones, but provide some good lessons while going at them

Ebay would also be a prime source for getting good deals on razors to hone/practice with, but preferrably for those who knows what to look for.

Good idea to learn on a beater before attempting on your good one. Any razor will work if it's not a cheapo Paki. You're in for a lesson in frustration so the razor doesn't really matter. It's a whole different animal from sharpening a knife. But, you'll get it eventually. Just go slow and learn lots of patience.

I learned honing with a Gold Dollar which, in retrospect, was kinda not a good idea as they can be a PITA to hone. I would do what Birnando said & try to find a 1/2-way decent Solingen razor on ebay...Something in decent cond that only needs to be honed..What kind of stone(s) do you have or are u getting?

Thanks for the input guys I will look on ebay see what I can find I bought a 8k-4k norton whetstone do the stones themselves have to be flatten on the initial hone?

Originally Posted by jes007

Thanks for the input guys I will look on ebay see what I can find I bought a 8k-4k norton whetstone do the stones themselves have to be flatten on the initial hone?

Definitely. If the Norton 4/8 is new, then you'll notice that they come with this "rough skin" that needs to be lapped off. I would recommend using/investing in a DMT 325 instead of a Norton lapping stone...you'll thank yourself later...

You can find some good practice on e-bay for sure. Don't forget to lap that 4/8k Norton or will will go round and round. go slow and pay attention. This is a great place to study up. gssixgun / Gemstar Customs - YouTube

The DMT is better but I just checked the price and remember why I got a Norton plate. I didn't plan on honing many razors and if I did I would go DMT for sure.

I went as the instructions indicate and plan on using 600grit sandpaper to lap the stones about how much should I lap it for?

Take a pencil, mark a big X on the whole surface and when it disappears it's done.
When looking for a razor to practice, try to take one that is already sharp, because if it' dull it'll take you too long on the 4k.

I think you'll be fine to set a bevel on the 4k. I was.

I would recommend an hollow ground blade, though. I honed what looks like a 1/4 hollow razor last weekend and found it to be really difficult in comparison.