Thread: Rolling X

The great thing about this site is that you've got a lot of guys that are eager to help you learn. The bad thing about this site is that you've got a lot of guys that are eager to help you learn. I'm actually half joking about that but the fact is you'll hear a lot of different things. I'll say up front, and I think I've said this before, I am not at all a honemeister so I would definitely defer to what Mike or Glen or one of the other guys says. All I can share is what I've found stumbling around in the dark with a little bit of instruction from what I've read and been told also.

I hone all razors with a rolling x and have the heal leading to start, I have figured out it’s the best way to ensure a straight has a long healthy life

Originally Posted by Jnatcat

I hone all razors with a rolling x and have the heal leading to start, I have figured out it’s the best way to ensure a straight has a long healthy life

I do exactly the same.

I would suggest using a practice smiler... This is not a hard way to hone/sharpen a razor but if you are not completely comfortable doing regular x-strokes start to finish on a razor it only takes a small miss step and your edge is toast... I personally didnt put a razor to a stone until i was a year into SR shaving.... I sent mine out and learned the art of keeping them sharp with a strop.. I took the advice of a few members and for me it was the best advice i listened to... When it was time to learn how to use stones i was well versed on shaving and it was sooo easy to transition into the last part of maintaining my razors... I tell anyone who asks for advise to wait on trying to hone.. Just my opinion

Originally Posted by TCMichigander

I would suggest using a practice smiler... This is not a hard way to hone/sharpen a razor but if you are not completely comfortable doing regular x-strokes start to finish on a razor it only takes a small miss step and your edge is toast... I personally didnt put a razor to a stone until i was a year into SR shaving.... I sent mine out and learned the art of keeping them sharp with a strop.. I took the advice of a few members and for me it was the best advice i listened to... When it was time to learn how to use stones i was well versed on shaving and it was sooo easy to transition into the last part of maintaining my razors... I tell anyone who asks for advise to wait on trying to hone.. Just my opinion

I learned it all at the same time before I knew anyone else in the world used a straight razor and personally don't see how it makes any difference except that you have to know at least the most basic skills to know whether your razor is sharp or not. In fact it may help you to learn the difference. Also just my opinion.
By the way, that's why I sent him the practice razors.

So i watch a new guy post a video 6 weeks ago who's shaking like he's had 3 cups of coffee on an empty stomach.. Not a bad job Steve by the way.. To rolling X-Strokes now? Okeedokee..

I started honing/sharpening at a young age, maybe 7 or 8 years old. Mainly knives, hatchet's, machete's, what ever had an edge, or could have an edge put on it. So, Id already had a good understanding of how to go about it.
I started using and honing my razor when I was 17, I just turned 51 last month. So yeah, got some experience with rocks n steel.

You know, reading over my reply it sounds a little sassy. My apologies TC. Don't get me wrong. I'm certainty NOT trying to turn this into a pissing match. Far be it from me to claim expertise in this. As I say I had to learn by myself from trial and error so that has to have jaded my outlook. No offense intended.
He definitely has taken on a lot quickly. The guy is hungry. So he wants.to learn , I say good for him. The Isley Brothers fired Jimi Hendrix because he wouldn't calm down. I hate to stifle that enthusiasm. Steve should go in advised that rushing causes mistakes.
TC is right. If you are going to venture into it don't do it with your fancy razor and no experience but he has practice razors like TC suggested. Mistakes are a learning experience. That's all I'm saying.
I'm self taught at a lot of things and it is good and bad. It has certainly bitten me enough times. In my conversations with Steve he seems like an adventurous spirit. You have to know that there are snakes in the woods though. If he's okay with that then why not?

Originally Posted by outback

I started honing/sharpening at a young age, maybe 7 or 8 years old. Mainly knives, hatchet's, machete's, what ever had an edge, or could have an edge put on it. So, Id already had a good understanding of how to go about it.
I started using and honing my razor when I was 17, I just turned 51 last month. So yeah, got some experience with rocks n steel.

51 Mike , I had no idea what a youngster you are!

Old man Steve

Originally Posted by outback

I started honing/sharpening at a young age, maybe 7 or 8 years old. Mainly knives, hatchet's, machete's, what ever had an edge, or could have an edge put on it. So, Id already had a good understanding of how to go about it.
I started using and honing my razor when I was 17, I just turned 51 last month. So yeah, got some experience with rocks n steel.

I got your rollin'x right here!

You da man, Mike!