My Journey in Learning to Hone
I’ve been shaving, and thus honing, for less than six months. I’m a beginner and wouldn’t expect my honing to match the professionals. I consider a razor honed when, after stropping, I can pass the razor at half hair height and most of the hairs pop off. Also, when shaving, there should be no tugging or pulling.
Learning to hone razors that don't have problems has been fairly easy so I though I would share how I learned.
My job has led me to learn how to find experts that know what they are doing and don’t give input unless it is correct. I pegged Lynn Abrams as this kind of person.
I did some research and called Straight Razor Designs. I asked what they would recommend. Their recommendation cost more, though has paid off in spades.
I bought:
$ 53.99 DMT 325 Flattening hone
$188.00 Naniwa Value pack, 5,k, 8,k, 12,k
$ 37.00 Naniwa 1,k stone
$ 18.00 Stone holder. There is one specifically for Naniwa stones if you get these.
$296.99 Total (plus shipping)
Now I had the tools and it was time to learn. Lynn has a video on how to hone with the Naniwa stones. Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
I got to work, trying to mimic everything he did. One thing that is very helpful is that he gives you tests to use at each stage to know you have achieved what was needed. When I sit down to hone, I go through this video, including stopping it a million times while I catch up.
The two lessons that made the most difference:
• Keep your elbow up.
• As with most things straight razor related. A light touch is key. When he says to do circles with only the weight of the blade, that is what he means. If you apply pressure, you won’t move up to the next level. It takes a while to learn how to do circles with no pressure.
At this point, I have to spend more time and circles at each stage than he does.
Was it worth it? It was to me. I enjoy learning new skills. Learning has required patience and some frustration, though the closer I follow what Lynn does, the less trouble and frustration I have.