Thread: Beginner Honing

Originally Posted by SMacca3103

I just didnt want to buy an expensive set incase I didn't like it

You need to buy a razor that can actually complete a shave to make that judgement.
If that razor is made in Pakistan I doubt anyone here will hone it for you & I'm also sure if you can get it honed it will not last the full shave before crumbling at the edge. You therefore won't like shaving with a straight.
I would write this off to experience & purchase a shave ready vintage razor, then if you don't like using it you can sell it on unlike the MenRock one.

As I say i do not actually know if it will hold an edge or not or wether it shaves well or not as i have not had time to try it out. Also I would prefer to learn to hone myself rather than sending it off so I thought this would be a good one to practice with

Originally Posted by SMacca3103

As I say i do not actually know if it will hold an edge or not or wether it shaves well or not as i have not had time to try it out. Also I would prefer to learn to hone myself rather than sending it off so I thought this would be a good one to practice with

Unfortunately we have no idea what your stone is to advise you on its suitability. Some pics may help.

Well if it feels smooth then you could always give it a go. With no knowledge of the stone it's hard to say but if it sharpens chisels then it may very well provide an edge sharp enough to shave with. Depending on how fine the hone actually is, you may find the shave will not be smooth enough to give a comfortable shave, in which case a finer hone would be required. A norton 4/8k or Naniwa 3/8k combo hone would be a good bet since it gives you a lot of flexibility - it's an extra cost but it's a known quantity and removes an element of uncertainty - which when beginning, will really help!

The reviews on Amazon seem positive but given the price, it's either a stonkingly good deal or the razor's steel quality (Carbon content and other shizzle) will be too poor to take a good and lasting edge. If you can't return the item now then there's no harm in giving it a go - but you might want to prepare yourself for the fact that the razor might not take a decent edge.

First you need to learn to shave with a straight razor, then how to maintain it (strop), then touch it up, then hone it.

For that you need a razor that will hold an edge, which you do not have and at least find out what the composition and grit of your stone.

Your chances for success are slim. Set yourself up for success and take the advice given.

Carving wood and shaving your face are very different things.

+1 on all the advise - I took on honing and shaving at the same time because I'm extremely persistent and get intensely interested in my hobbies. It was a long and frustrating road to say the least. Now I have amassed a collection of razors and hones and have reached a point where I can just about hone most razors without an issue. That took honing every day for about a year - not joking. I love honing razors - now I do it about three days a week just to play around with a new stone or razor. You can do what I did but be prepared to be disappointed and frustrated for a long time - especially if you're honing with an unknown stone.

John

Great help! Thanks gents. I gave it a go and it did cut the whiskers but did slightly tug so i will be attempting to hone it soon. I will invest in a good quality set and use this cheapo one to practice on