An idea for the honing newbies

Well I just ordered a yellow and a blue Belgian from Howard at theperfectedge.com. In trying to get an idea what exactly a 4X2 stone looks like I decided to cut one out from some cardboard. Then in my boredom at work I decided to cut out a mock 6/8 razor.

I find that I can practice my x-pattern etc. with these. I know it sounds childish but it works. I wanted to throw this idea out there to the newbs like me that may not yet have a razor to practice with other than their shaver and want to practice honing before trying it on their one blade. Or for someone who wants to see what it would be like to hone on a different size stone.

I don't mean for this to be a replacement for practicing on a junker but it's an inexpensive idea for the practice. If the more experienced member feel this isn't a good idea please let me know, I don't want to mis-lead anyone.

One of my favorite coticules is a hair larger than 4x2. It is a bit small for doing larger blades (an 8/8 takes up 1/4 of the stone) but will work, just might take a little longer.

Great advice too, for those in need of a honing fix before they can actually get practice equipment.