Thread: New guy from Central NJ looking for honing instruction

I posted a reply to an old thread in another area of the forum, but thought I would post here as well. I have a few straight razors, and just ordered a set of Shapton hones from SRD. If anyone in the area (I live near Princeton, but am willing to drive a bit) is willing to show me the ropes with my new hones, it would be greatly appreciated.

In addition, I am sure I could use some instruction with both my paddle and hanging stops as well. I have been shaving with straights off and on for about a year, and in the last two months, have solely used the straights. I am getting better, but have a long way to go. I am sure I make some mistakes with the strop and my shaving technique, but it seems that my razors lose that freshly honed feeling after about 10-15 shaves, and even with the paddle strop refreshing, I can't get it back.

I may be being harder on myself than I should, but someone with more experience might be able to shed light on what I am doing. I have watched countless hours of youtube videos, but never seen an experienced person use a strop, hone, or even a straight razor in general.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Rob

You can teach yourself - I did am I'm still learning but I'm at the point where I can put a shave ready edge on all my razors - some are more tricky then others though.

My advice is to buy an old razor from eBay and learn by honing it instead of your more expensive razors. I'm also a big fan of taping the spine - this prevents spine wear and allows you to always stay on the edge by changing the tape frequently.

Watch all the videos and dive right in - the only way to learn it is to do it.

-john

I grew up in Lawrenceville but have moved long ago. It would be advisable to attend the annual New Jersey meeting I believe they have once a year. http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...13-9-30-a.html Or try and find a local mentor to visit with. You can learn more in couple hours than months or years searching the web.
Mike

Thanks for the advice guys. I noticed that there was a meetup this weekend in LI, but that isn't going to work with my schedule (in other words, my wife has plans for me that do not involve heading to LI).

I guess I will just dive in, and give it a shot for now. Hopefully someone relatively local offers some of their time. I am ready with bribery materials in the form of fine cigars and whatever booze the mentor likes.

Cigars and booze. I am in PA.

Originally Posted by souschefdude

Cigars and booze. I am in PA.

If you are in Berks PA, you are about 90 mins from me. I have some well aged Cohiba Siglo II's in the humidor, along with many others. Bottle of your choice is on me. I am in and willing to take the ride out if you are willing to teach.

Originally Posted by rbaker2778

Thanks for the advice guys. I noticed that there was a meetup this weekend in LI, but that isn't going to work with my schedule (in other words, my wife has plans for me that do not involve heading to LI).

I guess I will just dive in, and give it a shot for now. Hopefully someone relatively local offers some of their time. I am ready with bribery materials in the form of fine cigars and whatever booze the mentor likes.

Tell the wife her plans can wait. The meet up only happens once a year. She can have you the other 51 weekends in the year!

Argh...I have plans this November 10; specifically my folks coming for a visit. Ah well...maybe I can put them out and show up!

I would be glad to have you over. First though, let me say I am no honemeister. I have honed a couple dozen and feel comfortable showing what I know, but I am not sure my instruction is worthy of fine Cohibas and a bottle of Bourbon, (or Scotch). We will have to work out when to pull this off. Send me a PM. Also, WyoBarber may be interested in the get together too.

Originally Posted by souschefdude

I would be glad to have you over. First though, let me say I am no honemeister. I have honed a couple dozen and feel comfortable showing what I know, but I am not sure my instruction is worthy of fine Cohibas and a bottle of Bourbon, (or Scotch). We will have to work out when to pull this off. Send me a PM. Also, WyoBarber may be interested in the get together too.

I didn't know we had any honing mentors near my area, either! Can I PM you to keep in touch, dude?