Thread: One hand or two hands pros cons???

I'm not sure if your tests will actually mean anything because I have a few harts and they all act differently. Even the same models .

Where I have noticed a difference using one or two hands is say I am honing a blade and not quite getting a part of the tip, I can swap to a single handed stroke and bingo I am then getting that part I was missing.
That is just an example I can remember from a long time ago but I know if I am struggling and trying every thing swapping from 2 to 1 hands will be some thing I will try.

Nice blades btw ..

Originally Posted by JOB15

I'm not sure if your tests will actually mean anything because I have a few harts and they all act differently. Even the same models .

Where I have noticed a difference using one or two hands is say I am honing a blade and not quite getting a part of the tip, I can swap to a single handed stroke and bingo I am then getting that part I was missing.
That is just an example I can remember from a long time ago but I know if I am struggling and trying every thing swapping from 2 to 1 hands will be some thing I will try.

Nice blades btw ..

Thanks. The blades I have were all made at the same time, by the same blade-smith and the same size. I realize even with that info they could still be different lol. I am hoping to try the basic honing dexterity methods and see which one as a base method will work best for me. Not trying to prove anything!

The right hand hones; the left hand holds the drink & remote.

Here are the other two 13/16" Hart razors I honed using the one hand honing with the stone in the other hand.

For me I have to say this method is probably the best out of the three basic types.

1. Bench honing one hand
2. Bench honing two hands
3. Stone in hand honing one hand (obviously)

I realize there are many variations of honing methods and I know that each one can be done with the same result. For me holding the stone in my left hand just feels intuitive like I can feel the resistance of the stone from torquing the blades edge as I move up the grit progression. I can feel the change within the stone as the edge takes on that stones grit pattern. This was a fun little exercise to try out!

PS. The shave will be tonight

As long as you have good control of the second hand so you can limit pressure on it two hand honing is fine. I usually use 2 hands for my honing sessions but there are circumstances where one hand is better.

Really whatever works best for you is fine.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As long as you have good control of the second hand so you can limit pressure on it two hand honing is fine. I usually use 2 hands for my honing sessions but there are circumstances where one hand is better.

Really whatever works best for you is fine.

I plan on continuing to practice using two hands, Except for bevel setting I could not regulate pressure well on the other grits so I think after bevel set I am all over the place. Zero consistency, not good for honing. Thank you

Originally Posted by dshaves

I plan on continuing to practice using two hands, Except for bevel setting I could not regulate pressure well on the other grits so I think after bevel set I am all over the place. Zero consistency, not good for honing. Thank you

Me as well. When I see a master of honing whom I respect very much (Howard Schechter) using two hands to hone after honing thousands of razors over dozens of years to a super fine edge, it only confirms that there is more than one way to master the skill.

-Zip

One thing that I have found to facilitate better one-hand honing is ergonomics. If your honing arm is moving on a natural, relaxed stroke it is much easier to maintain consistent pressure on the blade throughout the stroke.

Try varying the height of the honing surface so your forearm is horizontal to the floor (or even freehanding) and see if that doesn't feel and work better.

Originally Posted by kelbro

One thing that I have found to facilitate better one-hand honing is ergonomics. If your honing arm is moving on a natural, relaxed stroke it is much easier to maintain consistent pressure on the blade throughout the stroke.

Try varying the height of the honing surface so your forearm is horizontal to the floor (or even freehanding) and see if that doesn't feel and work better.

LOL

The most heard thing at the meet ups

"Lift your elbow, keep it level with the hone"

Originally Posted by ZipZop

Me as well. When I see a master of honing whom I respect very much (Howard Schechter) using two hands to hone after honing thousands of razors over dozens of years to a super fine edge, it only confirms that there is more than one way to master the skill.

-Zip

I thought I was quick and kinda aggressive on the hones. Then I watched a video of Howard honing. I wasn't entirely convinced that he didn't hate the razor he was whipping into shape! But I bet it shaved a treat by the time he was finished with it.

Yep, more than one way to skin a cat. Or hone a razor, as the case may be. I use one hand, some folks use two. I move pretty quick. Some are faster, some slower. Just a matter of finding a technique that works for you and a stride you're comfortable with.