Thread: New guy with an iron face?

So I have been reading about the 4/8k stones and then going to the 16k. However my limited resources allow for me to use what I have on hand. That being said. I have a Dovo Classic, the really inexpensive blade, shaves great though. A Global 1000g and a Col. Conk Surgical Arkansas 3000g.

I started the edge on a diamond steel, the edge hopped back to life. I went the 1000g then to the 3000g and stropped about 20xs. The shave was smooth and wonderful.

Is this "wrong"? I keep hearing about stopping at 8k or 16k but never any mention of 3k. I plan to get some Crom OX for the linen side of my strop to polish the edge, but other than that do I really need to change my set up?

SW

Nope. Normally 3K would not produce a very smooth close shave. It will shave whiskers like nobody's business though, just not all that close or comfy. But, whatever works is okay with us.

The 4/8 k hones yo mention really only need be purchased if you plan on restoring bevels and more than a few straight razors. To get the best edge on the cheap send it to a honemister for a perfect edge. Under normal use you will not need to 'touch up' the edge for a few weeks to a few months. At that time a barbers hone like a Swaty can be picked up from EBay for ~$20. I'm not trying to talk you out of honing for sure. Just trying to get you a great shave ASAP.

I think you'll find that for all of the detailed - and sometimes boistrous - discussions that go on here, it's very, very hard to say something is "wrong" if the shave is smooth and wonderful. Lynn has said many times (paraphrasing) that the shave test is the one true test. So I would say well done on getting a great shave with the tools you have. You're already ahead of me!

You may find that down you the road you acquire a higher grit stone and the shave is even better, but many guys (and gals) here would be quite happy with the end results you already have.

EDIT: Man, I got beat to the punch on this one. :P

Hello and welcome!

Are you sure it's only a 3000 grit? Because that would be quite coarse. But if you're getting a good shave off of it...then more power to you! You're obviously doing something right. But maybe you do have an iron face, and missing out on a whole world of smoothness.

The 4000/8000 norton combo stone is wonderful, so I recommend that. I would wait to see how it goes on that before thinking about a higher grit than 8000. Usually most people want a higher final stone than 8000, but since you seem to be getting a good shave off of only 3000, maybe 8000 will be the ultimate smooth for you.

It sounds like you're off to a wonderful start with your straight, I wish I had such a successfully entry into the world of straights!

Dave

There's an older entry here on the forum by someone who says after lapping their colonel conk arkansas hone it behaved more like a 6k grit hone. Like they say, whatever works works

welcome to SRP!

I rated the stone, personally, at 5K a few years ago. But I still find that low comparatively, and hate bickering over silly points.

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Hello and welcome!

Are you sure it's only a 3000 grit? Because that would be quite coarse. But if you're getting a good shave off of it...then more power to you! You're obviously doing something right. But maybe you do have an iron face, and missing out on a whole world of smoothness.

The 4000/8000 norton combo stone is wonderful, so I recommend that. I would wait to see how it goes on that before thinking about a higher grit than 8000. Usually most people want a higher final stone than 8000, but since you seem to be getting a good shave off of only 3000, maybe 8000 will be the ultimate smooth for you.

It sounds like you're off to a wonderful start with your straight, I wish I had such a successfully entry into the world of straights!

Dave

Are you remembering to take off your mask?



Apologies.

Is that why I keep nicking the edge of the blade?


The Col. Conk is really smooth. The stone has no rating on it but the website says 3k. It cuts real slow and works better dry.

I finished my Dovo Best last night, we will see tomorrow.