Thread: First shave after honing- didn't go very well

You should be able to shave straight off the 1k if you are getting a good bevel. It may not be the most comfortable shave, but you can shave off it. Any other stone with higher grit will refine and polish the edge for a much more comfortable shave.

You should also make sure your stones are flat and the razor doesn't rock on the stone. You can use any number of devices to flatten your stone. I prefer a certified flat granite plate which are about $50 on eBay, then put sandpaper on it. Or you can opt for a diamond lapping plate or even Norton makes a good lapping stone for about $27.

Thanks gotdzel, that's helpful info to know then. I do have a lapping stone so I guess I'm good to go. What are some common mistakes beggining honers make?

Originally Posted by Gotdzel

You should be able to shave straight off the 1k if you are getting a good bevel. It may not be the most comfortable shave, but you can shave off it. Any other stone with higher grit will refine and polish the edge for a much more comfortable shave.

You should also make sure your stones are flat and the razor doesn't rock on the stone. You can use any number of devices to flatten your stone. I prefer a certified flat granite plate which are about $50 on eBay, then put sandpaper on it. Or you can opt for a diamond lapping plate or even Norton makes a good lapping stone for about $27.

or he could use 180 grit wet/dry sand paper on a piece of plate glass and save himself a lot of money. Use the 6k until you can take the hair off your arm, don't worry about a hanging hair test. When you can take hair off your arm then go to the other stone, you will be there for some time but it will polish it.

Originally Posted by Brettnj

or he could use 180 grit wet/dry sand paper on a piece of plate glass and save himself a lot of money. Use the 6k until you can take the hair off your arm, don't worry about a hanging hair test. When you can take hair off your arm then go to the other stone, you will be there for some time but it will polish it.

This is also very true!!