Thread: Is two-handed honing only for GirlyMen?

Personally, depending on the razor I use both methods. I make sure when I use both hands the second hand does not rest on the razor but sits in front of the spine to stabilize it. it works for me but you do really have to be careful. I find even with my extra light touch if I have a razor that needs alot of honing unless I alter where on the spine the finger rests you will start to see a change in the bevel. So my answer is, for most people its best to use one handed honing. Its really like anything else you just have to work at it and it eventually works itself out. But having said that two handed is OK as long as you careful, very careful.

I'll use both hands and a little bit of pressure when I begin a progression to make sure the edge is completely even and equally prepped, then go to one handed very light pressure on the finishing stages.

It's all about the stroke and the touch guys. Keeping the elbow up helps with keeping the blade flat. The stroke is developed. You really want to develop the feel and touch. I have always found that by using the second hand, it is harder to find that right feeling. This might be easier for me to say considering the thousands of razors I have honed.

Considering the above, if it's two hands that works for you consistently, then that would be what you should use. I would not recommend this for newer guys who are already having so much trouble with so many things. Less is better. Simple is easier.......

Now define simple.........

Have fun.

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

Keeping the elbow up helps with keeping the blade flat. The stroke is developed.

I found this was the trick that finally allowed me to go from two-handed to one-handed. Funny how something so simple can make such a big difference to technique!

Having said that, I spent so long honing two-handed I was getting very good results from that too.

It's all about the stroke and the touch guys. Keeping the elbow up helps with keeping the blade flat. The stroke is developed

This statement has already been quoted -- folks, do take note! I would
recommend that you keep working on your stroke, I've found that the
one-handed technique will eventually be able to deliver the most even
stroke with just enough pressure to keep the razor flat on the hone.

Keep your elbow up and curl your pinky under the scales or spine if
necessary.

- Scott

I've used a two handed stroke on my Norton 4/8K combo and got acceptable results but I recently got a DMT D8EE and couldn't get it right ... till I tried only using one hand and in the space of 2 laps the razor went from not passing a HHT to scaring the hair in half.

I think that I was able to use a lighter stroke by only using one hand and where the DMT cuts fast that light stroke was needed where as on the Norton there is a little more "give" since it doesn't cut as fast.

Barney

I find that both techniques will produce equivalent results. It boils down to being able to lightly support the razor and simultaneously move it down the length of the stone.

Agreed, the one handed method is more traditional, and in fact I prefer it. But using two hands gets me more consistent results on coarser stones so I use it for bevel setting, then switch for the polishing stones.