Thread: Confused by all the Honing Information

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

Starting with a good close to shave ready blade, I try to remove as little metal as is necessary. All working razors will eventually lose enough metal after honing to become unusable, even if it takes a very long time. I try to postpone that day and keep my valued razor looking good and last as long as I possibly can. Try the 8K and test the edge, if the 8K stone fails to give you the expected good 8K edge, drop down to a 4K or 1 K as necessary. When you have achieved the expected good edge for the grit level you are using, work your way back up the progression. If a high grit hone does not seem to be working, it usually means that more work on the bevel is 1st needed on a lower grit hone.

HTH

Just what he said! One thing I would add is that "markers" are the hardest thing to learn trough a forum. Only by doing and observing the "markers" you can learn. Eventually you be able to pick a razor, inspect the bevel, the edge for sharpness and know if it only needs stropping, finisher, 8k or more and even then the razor will teach you something new! Double O