Thread: First Hone Experience

I got my Norton 4k/8k and flattening stones yesterday. Soaked them today, flattened both sides and beveled the edges. Then I got out a cheap razor and did the simple hone that Lynn demonstrated in one of his videos. That is an X with 5 on 4k, 5 on 8k, 1 4k, 3 8k, 1 4k, 5 8k. Wow, the result I didn't expect is how sore my upper arm is. Razor did not pass the HHT but I didn't expect it to. Just wanted to feel the experience. I think HHT also is a problem for me because I have extremely fine hair. Nonetheless, I won't take any of my good razors to the hone until I've practiced a lot with the cheap razor. Besides, none of them need a hone right now.

Strop it and try the HHT again. How did it shave??

I will strop it and try again. Not ready for a shave right now so maybe tomorrow.

Did the razor already have a bevel ? Your pyramid is very mild & would not correct any bevel issues.

Yes, it does have a bevel. I should note this is a very cheap SR (the GD word) that was honed previously. So I don't much care if I mess it up. It is perfect for practicing. And I really didn't expect much from the first hone because I was just feeling things out. As I said, I will use this and another cheap SR that I have just to practice. I'm not expecting miracles from these razors.

OK. On another, older, blade (called a Barber's Delight), I did a full pyramid -- 25-25, 15-15, 10-10, 5-5, 3-3, 1-3, 1-5 with 4k/8k respectively -- just as noted by Lynn in the honing library. Then I stropped it 80x. Passed the HHT easily on multiple points on the blade. Can't do a shave test since I've already shaved for the day. But I am anxious to try the razor. It's not the prettiest razor but she is now clean and sharp. Got her on ebay for $11. The only thing that scares me is the toe spike. But I will be careful.

Pic before I cleaned and honed her.

Originally Posted by RustySterling

The only thing that scares me is the toe spike. But I will be careful.

Pic before I cleaned and honed her.

As long as you keep an eye on it you will be fine. I have started shaving with one about two months ago pretty much daily and I have had no problems.................yet <knock on wood>

What scares me is that the spike on this razor is wickedly sharp. Nonetheless, I will be careful and look forward to my next shave.

A square or a spike will take paying attention to a whole new level.

I'm sure it will.