Thread: Beginner Questions - Honing

Hello, I am brand new to straight razors and I would like to ask a few questions.

Is it possible to learn to hone on my own by watching Youtube videos?

Will I most likely ruin my blade in the process?

When I tape the spine with electrician's tape, the tape peels off during honing and when I try to fully remove it, a gooey mess is left on the blade. Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong?

Is there a general consensus whether you should or should not tape the spine?

I've been practicing on a Dovo factory sharpened (not shave ready) blade and it's still far from being shave ready. (I have a shave ready blade for comparison). I've been using the Norton 4000/8000.

Sorry about the multiple questions, but would appreciate any comments or suggestions. The videos make honing seem fairly easy, but I haven't been getting results yet. I'm not giving up though; not at all.

Thank you.

Phil

Expect to practice a lot to learn. The videos help, but can't replace practice.

You will likely do some cosmetic damage to the blade while learning. Probably won't make it unusable.

Tape should stay on during honing. Remove residue wiby tapping with the tape.

No consensus on tape. Much has been written here on that topic.

Michael

Nothing to add to what Michael said except try another tape. The electrical tape I had left such a mess it was a major pain. Grab a new roll, different brand and try that. You can search here and see what people like. Mine just happened to be GB from local hardware store. I think a lot of people like 3M 700.

Originally Posted by imhere

Is it possible to learn to hone on my own by watching Youtube videos?

Yes.

Originally Posted by imhere

Will I most likely ruin my blade in the process?

Can't really tell, most likely not, but it depends on how much patience you have.

Originally Posted by imhere

When I tape the spine with electrician's tape, the tape peels off during honing and when I try to fully remove it, a gooey mess is left on the blade. Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong?

Sounds like the previous questions don't matter as you've already moved beyond them before getting answers.
Yes, most likely you are doing something wrong, either using poor quality tape or bearing on the blade too much, or honing for too long. Unless you have a razor in really bad condition, or you're using inadequate hone this shouldn't happen.
Some glue residue is normal - you can pick it up with the tape you just peeled off, or a piece of soft cloth with mineral oil or even alcohol.

Originally Posted by imhere

Is there a general consensus whether you should or should not tape the spine?

No.

Originally Posted by imhere

I've been practicing on a Dovo factory sharpened (not shave ready) blade and it's still far from being shave ready. (I have a shave ready blade for comparison). I've been using the Norton 4000/8000.

The hone is generally adequate for factory sharpened Dovos. How exactly are you sharpening the razor?
It would be helpful it you describe what you are doing in detail. If you can post a picture showing the bevel of the razor.

I learned by watching videos specifically "gssixgun"s videos and Lynn's videos.

As for tape, it doesn't matter. If you have a decorated spine then you might want to tape the spine to preserve it. There are arguments as to whether it changes blade geometry and its true it does but you would die before that happened to were it was unusable with normal honing. I would say try some super 88 from 3m. It is good tape. For the sticky residue just wrap some tape (I use the tape that I just took off of the spine) around your finger tip and stick it to the residue and lift off.


Has the norton stone been lapped flat? Are you using pressure or no pressure. You most likely need to set the bevel which most of us do on a 1k stone. Not to say it can't be done on a 4k just takes time and patience and consistent strokes. A lot of us started out with a norton combo and some still use only a norton combo. If you are using no pressure then try some pressure. If you are using pressure then try no pressure. If you are using tape try without tape. If you aren't using tape try it without tape. If one way isn't working for you try a different way is basically what I am trying to say. Good luck.

Welcome Phil,
Everything that you have asked is discussed in detail , in this forum. If your question is specific, as most of yours are,,,then use the "Advanced Search" link , above right(Not the GOOGLE Search Box),,,,then enter key words that interest you. This will reveal the threads that discuss the questions you have asked. In 2 or 3 hours of reading the threads that have been found, your journey will be an easier one.

Don't forget to spend some time in the Library section.

I am a big proponent of using one's head, so I always recommend that instead of just trying anything and everything you haven't yet just in case something sticks to the wall, try to figure out what is most likely to be the problem and address that.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Welcome Phil,
Everything that you have asked is discussed in detail , in this forum. If your question is specific, as most of yours are,,,then use the "Advanced Search" link , above right(Not the GOOGLE Search Box),,,,then enter key words that interest you. This will reveal the threads that discuss the questions you have asked. In 2 or 3 hours of reading the threads that have been found, your journey will be an easier one.

Don't forget to spend some time in the Library section.

Thanks for the welcome. Ive found the search function and library useful and tried that before I bugging everyone on here with the questions in this post. I'll have to be a bit more diligent before I ask questions. Anyway, I have found many of the responses useful and am grateful for that.

You're not bugging me or anyone else, sorry if you got that impression. I give that standard answer to many who start , because most have no idea how to find posts that help them.

Slow your journey, to see it all. Remember that many paths can be taken to reach the goal.

Taking something that is a required burden & making it a daily pleasure, is the goal.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

You're not bugging me or anyone else, sorry if you got that impression. I give that standard answer to many who start , because most have no idea how to find posts that help them.

Slow your journey, to see it all. Remember that many paths can be taken to reach the goal.

Taking something that is a required burden & making it a daily pleasure, is the goal.

Thanks, That's the best advice yet; making it a daily pleasure. I'm just starting and am overwhelmed with all the information.