Newb honing question

Got my Dovo from SRD and it shaved great. I then bought a 0.5 micron CrOx loaded balsa wood strop from starshaving and feel like the edge got considerably better. I was interested in honing, and by other members have been lead to get a naniwa 12K stone. I guess my question is, will I notice a difference between naniwa 12K and using the CrOx strop? And do I need to start honing with a lower grit and build it up? I purchased this razor 3 months ago and it started tugging a bit...most of the tugging stopped after the CrOx strop, but would the 12K actually be sharper and smoother than when I bought it? I see folks that use the 4K8K combo and am slightly confused. I am thinking that they are using those because their razors are a bit older...someone please correct me! Thanks!!

You're thinking the right way - the lower grits are for when you're needing more than a touch up. All medium that is meant to abrade metal is really doing the same thing, it's just how fast do you want it work. Theoretically a well maintained razor can be kept up with very fine media like CrOx and the naniwa 12k.
Throw in shaving technique, stropping, etc and maybe someday there's a need to go to lower grits. But sounds like in your situation naniwa 12k would be a good investment to maintain your razor. Some do with a barber hone also.

Thanks! I'm thinking about pulling the trigger and getting the naniwa...my technique isn't superb, but getting better with each shave...I noticed a huge difference after CrOx...so I'm hoping to have an even smoother experience after the stone

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Originally Posted by Rook83

Thanks! I'm thinking about pulling the trigger and getting the naniwa...my technique isn't superb, but getting better with each shave...I noticed a huge difference after CrOx...so I'm hoping to have an even smoother experience after the stone

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The naniwa 12k is a nice hone, but remember that using it is a skill that you will need to learn. I am still at the learning stage, sometimes I will refresh my razor and it is improved, sometimes I have to redo the refresh.

Honing can be addictive too, proceed with caution. :hmmm:

Just popping in here but the stone may not improve your razor any more than the pasted strop unless the paste is not bringing it back. As you read watch the progressions. 1k thru 12k paste maybe more paste :<0) Some of us (me) use no paste and shave right off a 12k.

So basically :

NO SHAVE NO BEVEL = start at 1k.

NO SHAVE has BEVEL = a judgement call depending on what hones you have. With a 4/8k being an old standard you hear many starting from there, IF there is a nice set bevel.

SHAVES (but needs improving) = work backwards from paste (in your case) or 12k until shaving properly again.
I don't mean = paste then 12k then 10k.
Depending on how far from shave ready the razor is determines how low you go in grit to start bringing it back. 10k, 12k, paste,strop, shave.

Using the crox if your edge is still good it should be sharper off the crox as it is a higher grit. Using the 12k every few touch ups should see the razor last a long time before needing more than that. The secret is to refresh before the edge degrades and to keep it at the optimal level. Personally I stopped using crox and just shave off the 12k now. It may take a bit to get a really good edge but is well worth the effort.

I'm also a noob thinking about honing myself. Was wondering if using a 4k/8k combo with something like the pyramid technique would produce a quality shave without any pastes or finishing stones (like a 10k or 12k)? I guess I'm looking to start small and hoped a single combo stone would work for me.

if you just have 1 razor and don't plan on restoring....the 4k/8k combo plus a strop, is all you truly need. Good technique plays a bigger role than what grit you finish with.

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Originally Posted by jsmiff

if you just have 1 razor and don't plan on restoring....the 4k/8k combo plus a strop, is all you truly need. Good technique plays a bigger role than what grit you finish with.

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Have you thought about a barbers hone?

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Originally Posted by jayb11175

I'm also a noob thinking about honing myself. Was wondering if using a 4k/8k combo with something like the pyramid technique would produce a quality shave without any pastes or finishing stones (like a 10k or 12k)? I guess I'm looking to start small and hoped a single combo stone would work for me.

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Its amazing what one can do on the good old Norton 4/8 combo stone.

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Originally Posted by jayb11175

... wondering if using a 4k/8k combo with something like the pyramid technique would produce a quality shave without any pastes or finishing stones...

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I shaved off 8k for plenty long. MOF before i learned how to use it properly, i was just as happy with my 8k edge as my coticule edge. Now i finish on the coti and add pasted stropping if necessary. Presently testing every edge off the 8k before progressing further. If it won't acceptably shave off the 8k, rethink reload and redo.