Thread: Breakthrough!

After coming back to SRP,and back into SR shaving, I've spent a lot of time absorbing new viewpoints and reading some things I had forgotten. Of all the components of SR shaving, there was one I had never gotten competent or confident with -- honing.

I had done what lots of new SR shavers have done and more will do in the future...I bought the hones before I knew what a good shave was. In my case they were Naniwa Superstones and I went in deeper than I should have for a guy who was learning to shave. I bought 1k, 3k, 8k, and 12k as well as a DMT 325 to lap them and gave it a few tries. I still sent most of my razors out, but worked diligently (and maybe too "tensely") on a few, which never ended shave ready. I even sent some of "failures" to the well known honing guru of the day to critique, got his feedback and quit for lack of confidence, time and effort.

Well I'm back and can report success! I pulled out my very first SR, the pictured Hoffritz 5/8, which I bought in a mall knife shop in the early 80s. Once I learned to shave with a new Ralf Aust and had the Hoffritz honed (I think by Glen), and it shaved very well, which started me on RAD.

Today, I figured, "what do I have to lose?" so I pulled the Hoffritz and the stones out, and decided to give it a go on the 8k and 12k since the edge wasn't bad, just no longer fixable with even a pasted strop (I have those too)

I watched some old Gssixgun videos on YouTube on honing with the Naniwas, and bingo -- had fun, paid attention and was relaxed, and came away after a good stropping with a great edge that produced a great shave. I'm a happy guy!! Nice to be old and still learning!!

Live and learn!