Thread: Honing practice today- what have I done here?

The problem I have had with barber hones, is that the grit is inconsistent and your stria pattern has those random deep stria. Some will shave well though.

Compare the 8k bevel to the Lakeside and see if the pattern and the edge are better. I doubt that the Lakeside is higher than 8k, but the edge does look straight.

I generally remove all the stria from each grit with each stone, but you don’t have to. You only need to remove all the Deep stria that end in a chip at the edge.

For new guys, I recommend removing all the stria with each stone, it just removes one more variable for them and ensures that they are honing to the edge. I try to get the edge as straight as possible at each stone, usually that means a few cleanup laps on a fresh stone face. I either do a quick lap with a diamond plate or use a slurry stone to clean and smooth, then rinse clean and hone.

Which 8K are you using?

HHT aside, how does it shave?

Originally Posted by Euclid440

The problem I have had with barber hones, is that the grit is inconsistent and you stria pattern has those random deep stria. Some will shave well though.

Compare the 8k bevel to the Lakeside and see if the pattern and the edge are better. I doubt that the Lakeside is higher than 8k, but the edge does look straight.

I generally remove all the stria from each grit with each stone, but you don’t have to. You only need to remove all the Deep stria that end in a chip at the edge.

For new guys, I recommend removing all the stria with each stone, it just removes one more variable for them and ensures that they are honing to the edge. I try to get the edge as straight as possible at each stone, usually that means a few cleanup laps on a fresh stone face. I either do a quick lap with a diamond plate or use a slurry stone to clean and smooth, then rinse clean and hone.

Which 8K are you using?

HHT aside, how does it shave?

I am using a Shapton Pro 8k (all my synthetics are Shapton Pro except for my 3k which is Naniwa Pro (chosera)

Thanks for the insight on the barber hone I will keep it in mind as I learn.

This was only an experiment for our razor exchange we are trying out different things and analyzing the results. Trial and error with feedback.

It is really hard to tell if you are really getting improved edges or just convincing yourself you are because you bust your butt working on it.

Honest feedback from another shaver is helpful.

I only have about 150 straight shaves total in my experience so far so I don't have that to draw upon. I am competent shaving but I know that my developing technique sometimes gives me a false read even on the professional edges.

I really need to focus on a better understanding of stropping now- I feel this is a weak area for me that is hindering my honing progress. Seems like it is counterintuitive to work in improving honing skills when I might be knocking the edge back with my stropping.

Does this make sense?

The Shapton 8k is a solid 8K, I doubt the Lakeside is finer.

Absolutely, stropping is often underrated. Proper stropping can dramatically improve an edge.

A clean strop is also a big plus. I believe most strops have airborne dust on them or grit from stropping razors that were not clean. All this stuff can scratch a bevel and edge.

Different leathers will leave different finishes, as will different “linen”. And then there is technique. As your stropping improves, so too will your edges.

Additionally, when using tape, make sure to replace the upper layer of tape when doing your final laps.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

The Shapton 8k is a solid 8K, I doubt the Lakeside is finer.

Absolutely, stropping is often underrated. Proper stropping can dramatically improve an edge.

A clean strop is also a big plus. I believe most strops have airborne dust on them or grit from stropping razors that were not clean. All this stuff can scratch a bevel and edge.

Different leathers will leave different finishes, as will different “linen”. And then there is technique. As your stropping improves, so too will your edges.

Additionally, when using tape, make sure to replace the upper layer of tape when doing your final laps.

I just purchased a SRD modular paddle strop on the BST will this help me improve my edges? I have two hanging strops and one linen component but I was going to experiment with different techniques and pastes, sprays, etc.

Be careful with paddle strops, most new stroppers use too much pressure stropping. If you use too much pressure with a paddle, you can easily break off the fin and get a jagged edge.

I use paddles for tools and knives, hanging strops for razors.

proper stropping will improve your edges,, not so much the strop itself as long as they are quality leather strops and clean. learning to strop properly should have come before honing, then you would not be concerned over "HHT" which means little to shaving. the SRD modular is a good system and as long as the components are kept clean and dust free the edge will be fine as long as you do your part. STROPPING is the most important aspect o edge maintenance tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

proper stropping will improve your edges,, not so much the strop itself as long as they are quality leather strops and clean. learning to strop properly should have come before honing, then you would not be concerned over "HHT" which means little to shaving. the SRD modular is a good system and as long as the components are kept clean and dust free the edge will be fine as long as you do your part. STROPPING is the most important aspect o edge maintenance tc

I feel I am "competent" at stropping. Meaning I don't cut my strop anymore and my edges don't degrade if anything they improve slightly.

We are all in different places on the learning curve of honing- where I am I thought HHT meant something after reading about it. Now I know it does not. I have moved an inch or two along the learning curve.

So far everyone has been patient and helpful and for that I am grateful.

I will be posting things that others have already investigated. I will try to keep it to a minimum. Please be patient with me while I work this out.