Thread: Minimum kit for honing SRs

I want to learn how to hone my own straight razors from the outset of my straight shaving journey. I prefer to learn the skill rather than to ask someone to do something that I can learn to do myself. I am independent that way. I honed my own knives for years...so i am not a complete newb.

I am reading everything I can find on honing and watching videos. I am intrigued by the variation in approaches, tools and techniques. The basics, however, seem...well, pretty basic.

I would like some opinions on what I need as a minimum kit to start the process. I don't want to break the bank...my pockets are not that deep. FYI...I will be working with razors that are vintage antique store finds. Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom...

Norton 4/8k

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Norton 4/8k

The 4/8k...with stropping...will this get me to "shave ready"?

Originally Posted by Whizbang

The 4/8k...with stropping...will this get me to "shave ready"?

Of course it will. Gssixgun and some of the ancient members can recall a time when they used to finish on the 8k. Many comfortable shaves can be had off the 8k side. Sure a finer finish can be obtained but until you can get a great shave off 8k range stone alone a finisher is rather moot. Polishing a turd I believe it's called. If doing a lot of ebay, antique store razors that need a lot of steel removed. I would also suggest a king 1k off amazon for a very small amount of money.

Take a read if interested

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

The Naniwa SS 3/8 would also be about the same maybe even a skosh better

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Of course it will. Gssixgun and some of the ancient members can recall a time when they used to finish on the 8k. Many comfortable shaves can be had off the 8k side. Sure a finer finish can be obtained but until you can get a great shave off 8k range stone alone a finisher is rather moot. Polishing a turd I believe it's called. If doing a lot of ebay, antique store razors that need a lot of steel removed. I would also suggest a king 1k off amazon for a very small amount of money.

Take a read if interested

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

The famous - infamous 4/8 Norton thread is quite entertaining...and encouraging!

Shure, if you are not doing a lot of major repair work, 1k paper would be fine. But for $20… I have bought 1k Kings for a dollar at flea markets. Wet & Dry is a bit of a hassle.

Both the Norton 4k and Naniwa 3k are very aggressive and will easily set a bevel and remove small chips quickly, with a bit of pressure.

So, you could hold off on the 1k, but that is really the most inexpensive stone, that you would need.

I know an old guy, who bevel sets on a Harbor Freight fine diamond plate and finishes on Barber Hones, strops on Chrome Oxide on a leather belt. He can produce a fine edge on old Sheffield’s, that are his restoration specialty.

But… he does have some experience…

And you are doing it right, Restoration begins at purchase…

Buy the best condition at the lowest price, and pass on the beaters.

And don’t turn your nose up at Garage Sale, Washitas and Carborundums the 100 series are great hones for bevel setting and some are finisher. You can find them easily and inexpensively. Much is written on both of them, Arks lately, have been making a come-back or at least getting more popular.

A 3 stone Ark progression, Soft Washita hard Ark and Hard Translucent or Surgical Black is a fine progression and not as slow as folks claim. An ark edge is addictingly keen.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Of course it will. Gssixgun and some of the ancient members can recall a time when they used to finish on the 8k. Many comfortable shaves can be had off the 8k side. Sure a finer finish can be obtained but until you can get a great shave off 8k range stone alone a finisher is rather moot. Polishing a turd I believe it's called. If doing a lot of ebay, antique store razors that need a lot of steel removed. I would also suggest a king 1k off amazon for a very small amount of money.

Take a read if interested

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

That was exactly my first setup. It works. I used the 4/8 for about a year and then added the King 1k. Economical, and it gets you there.

Re: Post #4 Ancient Member? Is this a new class of membership? Is it "honorary" or just chronological? Who was the brave guy that told Gssixgun he was ancient?

Originally Posted by Whizbang

The 4/8k...with stropping...will this get me to "shave ready"?

While I am buying vintage SRs from antique stores I have been quite picky with my choices. I ensure the metal, cutting edge, scales, pivot, etc. are in good condition. I purchase them with a "what's it going to take to restore and sharpen this one" mindset...