Thread: New to honing. Wish to freshen up shave ready razors

So I took the plunge and bought a vintage shave ready boker per the general advice. I've really enjoy using it and I feel like I'm on the home-free side of the learning curve. I am in the process of acquiring a 3 inch english bridle strop (an upgrade from my cheapie synthetic leather strop) I already have an interest in honing however I don't know where to start. Since I am already using a shave ready blade I probably can get away with a minimal amount of stones. Will the norton combo 4k 8k work? Or should I buy a finer grit stone to refreshen my blades?

Well there are many answers to that question. I'll would choose a coticule everyday, but since you are new to honing and just needs a refresh go for a 10 or 12k synthetic hone. Naniwa 12k are a bit expensive but are easy to use and fast.

What about a shapton m5 12000 grit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LW...XSL&ref=plSrch

You will get many different answers to your question. There really isn't a right one. It just comes down to the type of honed edge that provides the most comfortable shaving experience. I'm a Shapton guy, I would recommend the 8K or 16K synthetic stone.

Can I get away with the norton combo 4000 to 8000? I was under the impression most home past 8k

Lots of shavers never go past the 8K stone an are very happy with the comfort level of their shaves.

Okay. I think I'll get the norton combo stone. Does using a stropping compound act like a higher grit stone? Can I use the 8k and then a compound in a linen strop to get achieve 12k or greater?

Originally Posted by EntropyZero

Okay. I think I'll get the norton combo stone. Does using a stropping compound act like a higher grit stone? Can I use the 8k and then a compound in a linen strop to get achieve 12k or greater?

Yes you can but some folks don't like the harsh edges generated. Experimentation is going to be your best teacher.

I'm not familiar with that particular Shapton stone. I read the reviews and their good. I use the glass Shapton's and they don't require pre-soaking in water or generating a slurry.

Originally Posted by EntropyZero

Okay. I think I'll get the norton combo stone. Does using a stropping compound act like a higher grit stone? Can I use the 8k and then a compound in a linen strop to get achieve 12k or greater?

Before you rush out and get a Norton combo stone, take the time to read about The Famous/Infamous Norton 4/8 "JaNorton 2012"

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

It was a very interesting month, and I learned a lot about honing, but at the end of the month I couldn't wait to get back to my higher grit hone (Shapton 15k). While an acceptable shave is certainly possible off an 8k stone, especially if you strop on balsa loaded with chromium oxide, my experience has been that a comfortable shave needs a higher grit finisher.

Rick