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 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...

I would think you would want a 1k for bevel setting or heavy metal removing if repairing. Pair that with a Norton 4k/8k and a finisher like an ILR (only about $40) and you should be all set.

Bare minimum? I would say A Naniwa Traditional 1k, and either a Naniwa 3/8 or a Norton 4/8 and a strop. Chromium oxide paste for one side of the linen optional. Buying from an antique store more or less ensures you'll need to hone it from bevel set up, unless the owner shaves with straights and touches them up.

You might even want to consider sending one of your acquisitions off for a professional honing so you have a good base of comparison. Ive always honed my own knives, and I found out the hard way that honing a straight razor is a whole new world of honing. You'll see what I mean I'm sure. Similar, yet some how very, very different.

Edit - almost forgot, a 30 or 60x jewelers loupe will be your best fried as well.

You WhiZ are much like the majority here, I too took to the razor stones after being a knife guy for so long, the skill is always good to have, saves time and $ (a small degree) anyway...

Hehe, I'm still GAGGING on the price of Gokumayo 20K and the Shaptons, Gag-Puke through the nose, Hack, spit, Whew........ On the flip side a friend is bringing me some stones from the ant-Arctic to play with.

For a budget kit, that you will not soon outgrow.

A King 1k, about $20
Norton 4/8k about $80, or
Naniwa 3/8k at $90
Specialty/Super Stone 12k for $82
and a stick of Chrome Oxide $14.

Not much difference between the 4/8 and 3/8k in performance.

You could upgrade to a Norton, $46 or Chosera 1k, $82, but performance would still be about the same as a King.

But really, a Norton 4/8 or Naniwa 3/8 and some Chrome Oxide and you are good.