Thread: 1st start to finish honing

I decided to learn how to hone. Watched all the videos available at least 3 times each. Purchased a cheapo Fleabay razor (you know the one GD). I know it's not the best razor but I didn't care if I could ever hone it because I've been using it as a dummy razor to help with learning new shaving techniques. First thing I noticed is the spine was not perfectly flat on one side. I started with a DMT325 and got to work flattening the spine. Once that was done I decided to continue using the DMT to get a rough bevel. This took a long time but once I could see a reasonably even bevel on both sides of the edge I moved on to a Norton 1K.

I spent at least an hour on the 1000 with repeating patterns of 20 to 30 circular movements then straight back and forth then X pattern. On to the Norton 4K then 8K then a Naniwa 12K. Next up a 0.5 diamond sprayed strop. Shaved with it yesterday and it did a good job. Not perfect but no pulling, discomfort or nicks.

This by no means was the best job just a first attempt. You got to start somewhere. Lots more practice needed now with a better blade but it was fun to try it.

Sounds like you did a good job on your first honing attempt! Now try to identify how you can improve it You may want to try a pyramid on the 4K/8K or the 8K/12K, that helped me a lot on my Shapton 8K/16K.

I was going to say an hour with the 1000 is a very long time but with the razor you were working on that is understandable. For first time honing if you did no damage to the edge you've come out ahead. if you make progress you're way ahead of the game.

You did a fine job there. My first honing felt like I shaved with 220 grit sandpaper.....................