Aloha!

I've been wet shaving since I was 18 and I picked up my grandfather's Solingen. I've restored a few razors, made some of my own scales, and have done a ton of stropping. But until recently, I had never honed my own razors. I sent them out to my "honing guy" for $25 per. Belive me, this adds up. I mentioned in another thread that I just didn't have time to learn honing until I retired and would wait until then to give it a try. A few here suggested that there is no time like the present and that I should get a starter Norton 4k/8k stone and give it a start. "No time like the present" was what one SRP member stated. Man, was he right.

I did just that and for sure, I am darn glad I did. I have the Norton 4/8k stone, I've watched dozens of videos, read dozens of articles, and have since honed two of my cheaper razors. I ordered a Gold Dollar as the first go and was surprised how decent the edge turned out. So I moved on to my Cut Throat Gents razor (my travel straight edge), putting a darn fine edge on that as well. In fact, I was so impressed that I've been using the Cut Throat Gents frequently at home (not just for travel) since honing. My Oxford will be next (the first vintage razor), then perhaps my Solingen or Yankee Wedge. The list goes on. I only have about 20 vintage razors unlike some guys here that have dozens, but it will be nice to be able to hone them myself, and save a bunch of money VS sending them out for honing.

Thanks to you gents that pushed me toward honing. I find it very enjoyable and it closes the loop on the art of shaving for me. I owe you one.

-Zip