Thread: Honemeister accredidation?

An interesting idea.

There is a feedback section in the new classifieds where users can comment on razors they purchase... but I'm not really sure how much that gets used. I can only think of two razors that I've sent out and the buyers have been less than satisfied; in one case the buyer honed it himself, and in the other the buyer sent it back and I re-honed and re-shavetested the blade.

I think an official accreditation would risk mucking up the informal accreditation already in place. Aspiring honers can send their blades out for shave testing by known experts and get feedback that way.

An accreditation system wouldn't bother me though, it might be kind of fun.

Considering the different beards and all YMMV stuff out there in terms of a honed edge, I think it is a little unreasonable. Different edges on different razors react differently for different people. For bladesmiths it is pretty cut and dry to say "cut through this section of rope in one swipe" or "bend the blade so much without cracking the edge". I just think edges on razors are pretty personal. I probably wouldn't bother trying to get the mark either considering I'd rather not have everyone sending me their razors! lol

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Would Zowada or Livi want to have their work critically evaluated by some "expert" committee? I think not.

I seem to recall Bill Ellis being perfectly happy with having a formal and detailed critique of his work over on B&B. Razors from other custom makers were also critiqued. Was it fairly recently?

You have a point that if someone is already at the top of their game with nothing new to learn they probably would have no need or desire to gain any formally recognized stature above what they already may have by reputation.

It was just a thought.

Chris L

that wasnt too long ago chris i remember reading that, i learned one thing that is true, if you stop learning because you think you know everything there is to know about a subject, then you are the loser and knowledge will pass you by, even a master learns something new once in a while if not every day

The idea has been kicked around a few times in the past, but it never really took off.
And honestly, I think it is unnecessary that is just my own opinion.

On the practical side, I don't think there can be an 'SRP' accreditiation, since SRP is a forum / website.
Of course we 'could' organize it, but that would be a conflict of interest.
All other issues aside, Lynn and Don are the proprietors of SRD, and as such would have a commerical conflict of interest with SRP accreditation.
I haven't talked it over yet with the other supers / admins, but I don't think we want to go there.

I also think that the accreditation is only as good as the people doing it, and on the flip side: those who don't have it are not necessarily worse than those who have.
I know Lynn has said in the past that he doesn't want it for himself.
So if Lynn doesn't have it, is he less qualified to hone than someone else? Otoh since there are probably few people actually better than him, what value does the accreditiation have is the top honer isn't accredited?
Same with Livi, Robert Williams, ... who may or may not want it.

Sorry have to go now and pick my oldest up from school.
Will post back later.

There is already an informal accreditation of sorts anyway isn't there? Those who are recognised as efficient honers, are accredited from their customers. IMO.

I am more than happy knowing that 3 efficient honers have acknowledged my skill level, and it makes no difference to me, who knows this and who doesn't.

Just my 0.02 worth.

How about this conflict of interest:

I have done restorations and honed razors for several members. Suppose I want to accredited...
I am also an SRP super moderator, and your account looks awfully fragile from where I am sitting

Suppose the committee in charge of accreditation sees fit to deny me (we already established that SRP representatives cannot be in the committee, or at least not in the majority) I can't just outright ban you because that would look bad. But there are countless little things I can do to make your life just that bit more difficult. The Chinese call it 'the Death of a 1000 Cuts'

Now, I hope it is clear that I am not the person to do something like that, but suppose one of the accreditation commitee members goes bad (it's happened before that senior members lose it and leave with a bang) and I have to ban that person who once decided to turn me down...
I am no longer unbiased. But even if I was, there will always be whispers and rumors...

In order to prevent problems later on, SRP reps have to be prevented from accreditation from day 1.

Granted, I admit I am a bit of a spoilsport regarding this issue, but it is my job to look at all the things that could cause problems.

The way I see it, accreditation is based on reputation. If you want to accredit someone, post a review.
Reviews are the way to describe someone's work in great detail.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

There is already an informal accreditation of sorts anyway isn't there? Those who are recognised as efficient honers, are accredited from their customers. IMO.


Just my 0.02 worth.

Bingo. I think the marketplace already separates the good from the bad in everything from razor sharpening to televisions. Sharpen well, make a good product, etc... and the members and customers will sing your praises. Screw up and they will sing too...just a different tune <g>.

Tony

Sounds good to me, guys.

Chris L