Thread: Need a set of stones for a beginner. Restoring blades.

The overall goal is to restore some blades in the collection. At the very least i'd like to restore a W&B the gf got me. It was my first ever straight razor and it's not possible to shave with. Sentimental value I guess you could say. I also have two blades with chipped edges that I would like to bring back from the dead. One is a Case Red Imp that is in pristine condition otherwise and the other is a Genco that I loved shaving with.

The current plan is all Naniwa super stones. I have a 1k, 5k and 8k in the cart at srd right now. I already own a 12k. I'm sure this could get it done but: am I getting done the right way? Is there a better value for money somewhere?

I've never honed a razor other than giving one a ride on the 12k which doesn't really add up to the full experience...

That sounds perfect

I would consider the 1 3 8 12 instead of the 1 5 8 12 as a new honer, only because the biggest issue for new guys is a solid bevel set, and the extra grit at the lower end will help
Either way is a proven path though..

I am a newbie to honing as well. I have the 1,5,8,12 setup. A 3 isn't a bad choice. Kinda wish I had one in addition. I recommend a DMT 325 to lap with. I also have a nani 220k that I have used to remove big chips.

If you have large chips then you need to remove a lot of steel. I think that a 1000 SS is too soft and slow for that job.
I would suggest something like DMT fine (700) or Suehiro 400 or Norton 220 (this latter I use with oil)

Originally Posted by RonPopeil

I also have two blades with chipped edges that I would like to bring back from the dead. One is a Case Red Imp that is in pristine condition otherwise and the other is a Genco that I loved shaving with.

How big are the chips ? if visible without mag. Do you really want to learn on an otherwise pristine razor ?
Another option would be to send the razors out & learn on something that allows you to make mistakes without heartbreak.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

How big are the chips ? if visible without mag. Do you really want to learn on an otherwise pristine razor ?
Another option would be to send the razors out & learn on something that allows you to make mistakes without heartbreak.

But, we LOVE heartbreak, don't we? Obviously! No one can bust stuff like I do! As usual, I recommend standard setup of DMT 325, Nortons, 1000, 4/8 and Naniwa 12k for all you need. This setup is super easy to get advise on here. Naniwas are maintenance intensive and too numerous, IMO, compared to the Nortons. Beginners don't really need more to do! JMO

Oh, Ron! Take your mug off your avatar and put on something silly like we do.
You are too handsome! (kiddding!)

Originally Posted by onimaru55

How big are the chips ? if visible without mag. Do you really want to learn on an otherwise pristine razor ?
Another option would be to send the razors out & learn on something that allows you to make mistakes without heartbreak.

They're visible without magnification but they're not deep. They run down the edge. I'd take pictures but I don't have anything that can get a good close up.

I've thought about getting them done professionally but no one has responded to emails. A couple are projects that I'd like to take on myself. The Red Imp would probably be best if it were sent out as it looks brand new short of the original owner scratching his name into it. The wosties I'd like to attempt.

I have a bit of a collection

Originally Posted by sharptonn

But, we LOVE heartbreak, don't we? Obviously! No one can bust stuff like I do! As usual, I recommend standard setup of DMT 325, Nortons, 1000, 4/8 and Naniwa 12k for all you need. This setup is super easy to get advise on here. Naniwas are maintenance intensive and too numerous, IMO, compared to the Nortons. Beginners don't really need more to do! JMO

Oh, Ron! Take your mug off your avatar and put on something silly like we do.
You are too handsome! (kiddding!)

How could you complain about seeing this face?

I've never heard of the Nani's needing maintenance. I know they require lapping but so do the norton's and just about every other hone I've heard of. Those two are the only stones i'm really familiar with. The Shapton Glass stones are a bit too rich for my blood so I haven't bothered looking into those.

Your face is wonderful, Ron! This is only my opinion! Most hones will require a good flattening upon reciept, for certain. Aside from that, the Naniwas cannot be eternally soaked, unlike the Nortons. The Naniwas must be flattened more frequently, and take up too much space and time. For instance, they must be flattened and water applied, waiting a bit to use. If you soak them too long, they twist and shout! Nortons live in the water and do not distort. Hones such as Naniwas, are made of a media with abrasive substrate imbedded and need frequent flatttening. The substrate wears faster than the abrasive, so tiny spikes appear quickly, hence the need for frequent flattening. Hones such as the Nortons are fully consistant in makeup, and are good for more use without attention, again, my opinion! The tradeoff is worth it on a Naniwa 12k for a finisher, though. As used properly, it is hard to think of a better economical and effective finisher, overall! Naniwas are great hones. Just more to do. I sold my Nanis and went back to the Nortons myself. I kept the 12k Naniwa, though!
JMO

Originally Posted by RonPopeil

They're visible without magnification but they're not deep. They run down the edge. I'd take pictures but I don't have anything that can get a good close up.

I've thought about getting them done professionally but no one has responded to emails. A couple are projects that I'd like to take on myself. The Red Imp would probably be best if it were sent out as it looks brand new short of the original owner scratching his name into it. The wosties I'd like to attempt.

I won't discourage you to learn but I will suggest stopping to review your progress as you go. You most likely won't do great damage with a 1k unless you do a great deal of miscued strokes. You may however find it a slow old process if they are all wedges. Welcome to the fun of honing