Getting started

[RayG]

I have been poring over posts on honing here and on B&B these past couple of weeks. I have a couple of antique shop razors that are in pretty good shape, that I got to practice on.

I tried the TNT as David described on his tutorial, and the blade was just sliding smoothly. I was shaking my head, thinking I should have ordered a 1200 grit DMT D8E along with the D8EE that should be coming tomorrow.

I found some 1500 grit wet-dry sandpaper in my garage, and figured I'd experiment - I taped in on glass from a picture frame, wet it, marked the edge with a sharpee, and did about 10-15 light 45 degree passes with the heel leading. The marker line was honed off, and when I did the TNT -- whoa! Now I know what David was describing. You gotta understand - I have never honed a single thing in my life!

I dried the razor, and put it away. Part 2 when the D8EE comes tomorrow. Part 3 when Tony's pasted paddle strop comes.

I just wanted to post this to say thanks for all the wealth of experience you guys selflessly share. And without the "my way is the only way" attitude you see in some other places, leveled on people who just need some guidance to start enjoying the experience. I am looking forward to this ride.

PS: I just wish there was a honing sticky for beginners to put all the info together.

[AFDavis11]

PPS. . . me too.

[Sticky]

Congratulations on your success.

[Quick Orange]

I wish there was a sticky too, taking it from bevel creation on a DMT to finishing with a coticule. T'would be handy!

[RayG]

The DMT D8EE came today. And so did the paddle strop!

I honed up one of my antique shop razors, a Black Diamond 5/8 spike until it passed the TPT. Did a few more laps until it was popping hairs of my arms. Then to the diamond pastes (1.0, 0.5) then on the 0.5 chromium. Passed the HHT, and had a very smooth shave!

[Sticky]

Congrats again on your shave and sharpening job.