Thread: Honemeister accredidation?

I don't know if this would help, hurt or not change anything, but I've often thought: "What if SRP had an accredidtation program of some kind for honing? Bladesmiths do.

My current skills would NOT yield an accredidation. But, having something in place would be cool not only for those that are already there, but also for those that are working towards becoming proficient with effectively honing all types of razors.

How would it work? Not sure, but maybe Honemeisters or aspiring Honemeisters would send some razors out to an independent panel of a handful of proficient shavers (maybe a burgeoning shaver as well to get a range) to have them rate the honing on a set and agreed upon scale with various criteria?

I know this has been done unofficially by members sending razors to other members for eval, but again for someone that is aspiring to get to a certain level, I think this has some goal oriented appeal.

Maybe it wouldn't be a good idea. It would certainly take some fleshing out to implement something like this.

Just a thought among all other razor related thoughts that make up 95.68% of my brain's cognitive functioning.

Chris L

I would definitely be up for something along this line. I think I do a pretty decent job. It would be nice to see how someone progresses in their ability, and to be critiqued on their jobs.

To make it worth for those grading, I would even be willing to send like 5 bucks or something for their time per grading session.

GREAT IDEA Chris

There could be different levels. Example: I'm proficient enough to hone my own razors to comfortably shaving sharp where I get close shaves and most often no sting from the alum block and where my edges last a long time. But, that's sometimes after taking much longer to hone a razor from start to finish than an experienced Honemeister would take, breaking it up into multiple sessions, etc.

One level: send your own razors you've honed out for eval and critique.
Another higher level: have some razors sent to you for honing, then critique and eval:

The ultimate goal with this would be to help each other in our skills.

Chris L

Another level I would suggest is honing junkers and blades with hone wear. I personally have honed my own razors and think I am doing a good job despite my insecurities. I have also honed others blades and have had positive feedback.

When I get a blade that has any type of smile or honewear, I really struggle.

Originally Posted by Chris L

I know this has been done unofficially by members sending razors to other members for eval, but again for someone that is aspiring to get to a certain level, I think this has some goal oriented appeal.
Chris L

You are as usual, dead right Chris, this has been going on for as long as I have been on the forum...

The meet ups are another way to accomplish this...

As both you and Issac pointed out there is a huge difference in honing your own hand picked blades, and having stuff sent to you, and having no clue to what you really have to work with until it arrives...
The real pressure comes from the "Heirloom" razors,,, talk about nervous restore, and honing sessions, your thinking the whole time "Please, don't let me mess up his Great Grandfathers razor"

I like the way yer thinking but I'm not sure there could ever be an actual "Honemiester" accreditation...

Thanks for adding here, Glen. I think it could work but it would not happen overnight and would require planning. We'd probably need to form a committee on it and have those committee members flesh out the criteria, etc and then have input discussed among all members.

The areas I would find concern in this and wouldn't envision it being beneficial would be:

I wouldn't view this as something that should be competitive. But rather, something that would gauge ability based on levels of accomplishment and experience.

People take honest and constructive criticism differently. I tend to think I have a thick skin when it comes to that, but not everyone reacts the same way. I think a standardized measure would help in this way. The committee and/or forum as a whole would brainstorm on that.

Chris L

I like the idea in principle, and would love to see how my honing rates compared to others.

That said, I fear that newbies will require an accreditation before sending their razor out to be honed by someone, or that non-accredited honemeisters will won't be able to effectively sell their service and have to somehow discount their service to remain competitive.

It could also be seen as a barrier to entry of the market.

I like the idea though of knowing how you rank among your peers though.

Just food for thought, FWIW.

Mark

Well, I've been shaving for 54 years and I have known how to make a straight razor sharp enough to give a comfortable shave for most of those years. I never had a forum to read, but I just watched my elders do what came naturally and then picked up from were they left off.

It's not really rocket science. Not that you would think it, reading the conflicting messages on the forum.

Today it is much much easier than it used to be. The man made hones are stunningly good, consistent and available. Not only this they are usually 8" x 3" in size and this makes it easier again. The only issue is the cost of the hones.

To be honest, I'm suprised that an engineer has not made a machine that will hold and hone the blade with a stroke that is more consistant than the human hand.

Qualifications, tend to restrict and limit peoples opportunity. A qualification implies that the subject in question is complex and requires study and ability. We are talking about how to make a razor sharp. It isn't difficult. Just about anybody I know, given good hones and a good demonstration can learn the process and learn it well and quickly.

So no I don't think that there should be a special recognition in the way of a qualification for those who are exceptionally skilled at honing a razor. I think that the fact that certain individuals get repeat customers is a good enough process in itself.

I love the idea and would not hesitate to send out a few razors for evaluation by the known masters. I dont know how "official" this would have to be, but at least to be able to gain the respect of your peers and to be accepted as a hone meister and to use that recognition to advance ones services would be great.

A noble thought but the problem is any accreditation is only worth the value of those doing the accreditation.

Everything is relative so how do we create some absolute standards whereby every blade can be equally evaluated. Is it just by shaving or do we have to physically examine every edge for any defects and if so do we do it with magnification or not and if so how much? I would guess most of the well known honemeisters stand by their work which is well known and would not want to participate. Kind of like saying we should develop standards for razor makers. Would Zowada or Livi want to have their work critically evaluated by some "expert" committee? I think not.