Hone it or pasted strop?

Okay, so after using my Ern exclusively for learning, shaving both face and head (and, I'm sure, improper stropping technique at first) has left my first razor in need of some TLC. It shaves, sort of, but with tugging and can't get BBS. It certainly can't pop arm hairs!

So my question is, does it need to hit a hone, or would some abrasive paste be a good start?

If I should start with pastes, where should I start? Balsa hone with crox? Cloth with diamond? If diamonds, what grit size?

Or is there some option I'm not thinking of?

Darth, I had no idea how harsh head shaving was on an edge. Its a pretty big challenge. I would recommend asking some head shavers (maybe Mikael & Birnando?) for their thoughts on edge care.

Your problem is most likely your stropping, using a pasted strop with improper technique will just dull the edge faster. But if you are careful and depending on the damage to the edge, a pasted strop may bring the edge back.

.50 Diamond, Chrome Oxide and CBN will all bring the edge back in that order of aggressiveness and smoothness of the edge. .125 diamond or CBN can be used for maintenance to keep the edge keen.

I would put either on a nylon strop for best results, I do not like balsa especially for new stropper as it deforms/nicks easily and contains too much random grit in itself for a novice.

Better to paste leather, a piece of Poplar (Home Depot) or a strip of cardboard (cereal Box).

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Originally Posted by Euclid440

Your problem is most likely your stropping, using a pasted strop with improper technique will just dull the edge faster.

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I haven't been using a pasted strop yet; just a regular old strip of smooth leather. But thank you, this all sounds like it can get me started.

At what point do I need to worry about honing...?

Edges will degrade quicker for some than others. Lot's of different factors. The edge itself, Your shaving and stropping technique. If you were getting good shaves from the get go, and now your not, then you may need honing. It takes time to figure all this stuff out. You could try a Barber's hone if you can find one. 3-5 passes with some water is all you need, (usually, YMMV).

Some wait until the edge is pulling and tugging before they hit the hones, I try to do a touch up right before that happens, when it starts to lose it's keeness. I think I'd use hones instead of the pastes/sprays for touch ups. I like to use them after honing, once in a while, especially the .50 diamond on wool felt, but not for touch ups.

Good advice above.

My guess is that if you've been shaving for a while after shave quality went down, then it will need honing.

Michael

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Good advice above.

My guess is that if you've been shaving for a while after shave quality went down, then it will need honing.

Michael

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No; I switched to the next razor in my rotation as soon as i noticed the drop in quality.

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Originally Posted by zib

Edges will degrade quicker for some than others. Lot's of different factors. The edge itself, Your shaving and stropping technique. If you were getting good shaves from the get go, and now your not, then you may need honing. It takes time to figure all this stuff out. You could try a Barber's hone if you can find one. 3-5 passes with some water is all you need, (usually, YMMV).

Some wait until the edge is pulling and tugging before they hit the hones, I try to do a touch up right before that happens, when it starts to lose it's keeness. I think I'd use hones instead of the pastes/sprays for touch ups. I like to use them after honing, once in a while, especially the .50 diamond on wool felt, but not for touch ups.

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What is a barber's hone v. the various other hone types out there?

A barber hone is a small ceramic hone. Barbers used to use them for touch ups on their razors. They are said to be very quick; can be used dry or with a bit of water or lather. They vary in grit.

Barber hones aren't made anymore and must be purchased used.

Michael

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

A barber hone is a small ceramic hone. Barbers used to use them for touch ups on their razors. They are said to be very quick; can be used dry or with a bit of water or lather. They vary in grit.

Barber hones aren't made anymore and must be purchased used.

Michael

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That's unfortunate... what would be a good substitute?