Thread: How far can a 12k and a strop take me?

That would be correct. Many of us have also found it helpfule to draw a grid on the stone with a pencil. Once the grid is completely removed, you know the surface if even - oh, and round the corners a little so the edge doesn't catch.

Jordan

Yes, you are correct.

Use some water to keep things moving freely. There's a tutorial on lapping in the stickies at the top of the forum.

You can use a lower grit paper if you want too, I just said 1k because it'd save a little material on your stone and probably work fast enough since you won't be putting a ton of wear on it. But if things aren't moving fast enough, go to a lower grit, as far down as 220.

I always go by the less is more theory. I wouldn't automatically perform a fixed number of laps every so many days or weeks. When the razor needs a touch-up it will tell you. Thats when its time to hone and just enough to do the job. Many will tell you and I have found with my coticule as little as ten strokes sometimes does the job.

I likewise get by with 5 to 10 laps on a barber hone whenever the strop stops bringing the edge back, more than 10 laps on a Swaty or Apart are rarely needed. For me that's anywhere from 20 to 60 shaves (on a heavy beard).

Depends on the razor; I seem to get better "mileage" out of the heavier grinds.