Honing education in St. Paul

Semi-New to this forum, long time DE shaver and a year in on straits. I met a couple members here yesterday and received a great education in honing.




So, I met up with randydance or Randy T, today in St Paul. Or rather, he came and picked me up so that I would not get lost in this foreign city. He invited me into his house and showed me great hospitality and shared his knowledge of honing amongst many other subjects that came up in the 7 hours we spent together. Moreover, Randy, knowing that I am a musician, also invited another honemeister, studioguy, that coincidently is also in the music industry, to join the honing/teaching/meeting. Similarly, studioguy, showed me much hospitality and friendliness.




I cannot express how helpful both of these gentleman were in providing me with tips on honing, working out chips, and progressions. A video cannot give one a critical eye and instant feedback on technique as well as critiquing progress when to move on in the progression. Randy provided stones and the three of us honed simultaneously on three razors that I had brought with me. As we honed we carried on conversation and when we were prepared to move along we would inspect each others edges so that I could feel the difference in my work to these seasoned honers.




Needless to say, I was the slower one but no negativity was given, only support and constructive comments. I feel very fortunate to have been shown the kindness, hospitality, and education that I received today. Moreover a hearted thank you to these fine gentleman. I am sure the SWSBO will cringe when I tell her that I need some hones.




To anyone else in the St Paul region that is willing to learn how to hone, contact randydance to discuss the possibility of meeting for honing guidance.




Thanks again Randy and Rod!

So very glad to hear you had such a positive experience. Nothing beats one on one teaching. Big props to RandyDance for taking the time to pass on his skills and knowledge.

Thanks Chris! RodB and I both enjoyed your company. I just might post that pic of you here tomorrow.
That Apart barber hone should help keep those Boker razors going for a long time.

Hope to see you again, :)

I am looking to pick up a couple hones. I know that Randydance likes the Norton 4000/8000 and the Choersa 1000 and finishing on Escher.

I too enjoyed the way the Norton felt and it's performance. What is the consensus on the Naniwa 3000/8000?

It will take me a while before I can get an Escher. $$$

I have films and will use them as my finisher unless I find the edge uncomfortable. Randy also provided me with one of his pasted strops and find that a nice finisher off the 8000.

Any help with choosing between Naniwa or Norton?

Here you are......

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I hope alot of noobs see this thread. There's even a thread posted today about pace of learning. Want the fast track? This is it. +1 in a big way for Randy's kind help. You guys in that area - don't miss out on this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

Here you are......

Attachment 147084

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Yep! There I am.

Since then I have found a diamond lapping plate, bought a small vintage Coticule, King 1k, that came with a Norton 4/8, traded for a small Thuringain, another slightly larger coti, and a even larger 2" x 7" coti and slurry stone.

I also traded and picked up about 20 razors including 3 wedges which are... well tougher. But I can say that I have honed about 50 razors now and have shaved for two weeks on 8k edges. I got the 8k's feeling pretty good and then finished a couple on the thuri and a couple others on coti. I like the thuri edges more right now because it is noticeably sharper and pretty smooth. The coti edges are smooth but lack slightly in the keenness department.

All this however, is new and I am still learning the stones. The small vintage combo coti degrades the 8k slightly. It auto slurries slightly and even under running water it is degrading. I plan to try this stone with lather soon. That said, the blue side of the combo gives a nice smooth and keen edge but takes 50 or so laps to really change the 8k results. It is buttery though.

Another thing I learned is that an 8k stropped about 100 laps is about equal to 8k stropped on CrOx 10 laps lightly and clean stropped 30 laps.

The thuri edge stopped 6 on CrOx leather and 30 clean leather is an amazing edge.

For the sake of comparison, a 8k taken to 1um then .3 um films with two layers of paper makes for a super sharp edge but is not fun to shave with. It will cut a chinchilla hair in HHT (not that that means much) but is damn rough. But if taken to the thuri or pasted strop, it smooths out nicely. However, this progression adds much more work and steps that can mean more of a chance of error so do not think I will be using this method. With each added step comes the chance of messing up your work.

I have also learned that a wedge with a fine edge is a marvelous thing. I my world of 2 little girls screeching and screaming, the silence of a wedge is comforting. I still like the ring of the hollows but, well, most of you will understand.

I know it has been said but now I really know, the bevel set is everything. Again the HHT isn't everything but I have taken 6 or so edges to the test off of the King 1k and have made for some spectacular finished edges.

Another thing for those getting stones, that Norton 4k new is awful, lap that thing until it feels really nice to the touch.

Thanks again Randy and Rod

Chris & Pinklather.......Good to see you posting. I know you guys have wicked schedules compared to us who are retired.
Chris.....you have really dived into this, it sounds like your having fun and learning a lot.
The Coticules will vary a lot so don't be surprised if you have to sample many before you find what works for your shave.

Pinklather....it was really good to meet with you in Portland, Oregon. I came to the conclusion that if I lived out there you and me would be spending a lot of time experimenting on razors! :) and eating fresh baked sourdough bread. :)

Oh..and here is your pic! :)..........

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Love that he got help from gents in the area. I am looking for someone in my area to help me with learning how to hone. I am starting with film. I have 12 5 3 1 micron film. I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago and am looking to learn then help someone else. Passing on the knowledge is key to me.