Thread: Minimum kit for honing SRs

Originally Posted by strangedata

I meant to ask if I should do anything different from what I've seen on Lynn's (and others) videos, because mostly the instructions are using matching hones from the same brand, or a Naniwa & Norton combo.

The hones I got (King Deluxe 1K, Norton 4K/8K and Shapton 12K[15K]) are a somewhat weird or uncommon combination, I believe.

Just wondering though.

Nothing will differ except maybe the number of strokes which also may differ from razor to razor.
Visual cues & bevel tests are all you need to succeed.
As I said before "They match up quite ok."

UPDATE: I have been shaving with a Dovo 6/8 Best Quality SR. My progress to date has been very good. I can now shave with no nicks or irritation. Learning to shave with a professionally honed razor makes all the difference.

I may have already mentioned in an earlier post that I purchased a Naniwa 1k stone and a Naniwa 3/8k stone...and a leather covered board strop. I have honed 5 razors so far. Two of the razors had flaws in the blade, but that was fine because those were my "trainers". And they did teach me valuable lessons. The third, fourth and fifth razors honed up very well. I was able to set the bevel and achieve a mirror finish on the edge, perform the hanging hair test and shave successfully with the razors. So, yes, you were right, this can be achieved with the 8k stone. I will not be purchasing a finishing stone...at least not for a while.

The only addition to my minimal kit was a home-made newspaper strop. After honing I would strop 50 laps on the newspaper and 50 laps on the leather. I still have lots to learn and I know every razor I sharpen will teach me something new.

I want to extend my thanks to all who offered advice and encouraging words. I could not have done it without you.

And to all of you who are sitting on the sidelines who think honing is a great mystery I say to you pick up a minimal kit as described above, buy a couple of training razors and do it! Patience and attention to detail is all you need. If I can do it so can you! It is a wonderful feeling to sharpen your own SR and even better to get a great shave from a razor you sharpened yourself.

ANOTHER UPDATE: I have been getting exceptionally nice edges with the 1k and 3/8K stones. I have sharpened many SRs and have had no problems getting a keen edge and a great shave. Without a doubt the 1k, 3/8k stones are all that is necessary for someone who wants to start honing their own razors.

Having said that, I really wanted to try a finishing stone to see if it made a significant difference...so I recently purchased a Naniwa 12k stone. I must say, it does a very nice job putting that extra special polish on the edge. I hesitate to say it... BUT...the 12k is a welcome addition to my "minimal kit". At this point I don't think I would go to a higher grit...but I have learned in life to "never say never".

Originally Posted by Whizbang

ANOTHER UPDATE: I have been getting exceptionally nice edges with the 1k and 3/8K stones. I have sharpened many SRs and have had no problems getting a keen edge and a great shave. Without a doubt the 1k, 3/8k stones are all that is necessary for someone who wants to start honing their own razors.

Having said that, I really wanted to try a finishing stone to see if it made a significant difference...so I recently purchased a Naniwa 12k stone. I must say, it does a very nice job putting that extra special polish on the edge. I hesitate to say it... BUT...the 12k is a welcome addition to my "minimal kit". At this point I don't think I would go to a higher grit...but I have learned in life to "never say never".

This is a Breath of Fresh Air! :

I've written time and time again that if you can't get a CCC (Clean Close Comfortable) shave off of a 8K hone then you are just throwing money down a rat hole by purchasing a higher grit hone.

As was said by the old French knight toward the end of the movie 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'--"You have chosen--'Wisely" as that Naniwa 12K is a real workhorse!

I've sent hundreds of razors back to their owners with a Naniwa 12K edge and never a single complaint.

As Glen has said; Synthetics are a Science; Naturals are a Romance.

For consistency the synthetics are the way to go.

With that said, if you have some funds that you don't mind spending on a White Elephant for a rock that may end up as a paperweight; then you can 'Play' with the naturals.

Again, thank you for taking the time to learn the 8K before going higher and congratulations for having the foresight to purchase that Naniwa 12K as you will never regret that decision.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

ANOTHER UPDATE: I have been getting exceptionally nice edges with the 1k and 3/8K stones. I have sharpened many SRs and have had no problems getting a keen edge and a great shave. Without a doubt the 1k, 3/8k stones are all that is necessary for someone who wants to start honing their own razors.

Having said that, I really wanted to try a finishing stone to see if it made a significant difference...so I recently purchased a Naniwa 12k stone. I must say, it does a very nice job putting that extra special polish on the edge. I hesitate to say it... BUT...the 12k is a welcome addition to my "minimal kit". At this point I don't think I would go to a higher grit...but I have learned in life to "never say never".

Yeah, I love the 12k Naniwa. It really is a nice way to finish for me. Glad to hear you're getting great results.

sent from my phone.

I had such great success with the 1k and 3/8k Naniwa stones...I thought to myself...why change now...hence the 12k Naniwa. And it did not disappoint....awesome product! I don't see myself buying any other stones.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

I had such great success with the 1k and 3/8k Naniwa stones...I thought to myself...why change now...hence the 12k Naniwa. And it did not disappoint....awesome product! I don't see myself buying any other stones.

How about for the lapping plate?

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I use a piece of 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper on my glass stovetop (yes it is perfectly level) for lapping. Works fine.

Now that you have your base set add a coticule, Zulu Gray, Arkansas Translucent, Hard Black, or other naturals, just for the fun of it. I did much the same as you. 1. Took up SR shaving and honing at same time. 2. Built out base set (Shapton Glass series). 3. I've added several naturals last 18 months. Yes, does feel good to hone your own.

Try some lapping film, nothing less expensive that gives the same result.