Thread: Keeping a honing log

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Great idea never thought about it.how about this type it in the microsoft word and save it.will save paper.just my suggestion.

I know that is what I should do but this old dog only likes to learn some new tricks. You are right though and eventually I will break down and learn how to do that.

I don't know how those of us with lots of razors could do it any other way. To many to keep up with! I use a database program and created fields for manufacture, blade width, type of blade and last honing month / year. Along with a field for comments on the shaves. Has definitely narrowed the field for me and will make it easy to decide which are keepers and which are going up for sale.

Originally Posted by Shooter

I don't know how those of us with lots of razors could do it any other way. To many to keep up with! I use a database program and created fields for manufacture, blade width, type of blade and last honing month / year. Along with a field for comments on the shaves. Has definitely narrowed the field for me and will make it easy to decide which are keepers and which are going up for sale.

Putting it that way I see that you are right. I need to put it in a file on my computer. I haven't had to use a program like word before. I have to investigate the Ubuntu equivalent and learn how it works. RTFM I guess.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I was going to start doing it and even got a thread ready, but then never followed up. But for me it was just what razors, their condition and how much effort required. Rather than the hones themselves since I use the same ones for the bulk of work except final polishing.

Will you be posting reports for us? Will be interesting to see how they come out.

Part of the reason I want to do it is the variety of hones as well as many razors. I will post some results once I have a system for keeping the records and make some sense out of what I find.

Right now I don't hone in the manner of a scientific study. IOW, I grab a razor and whatever hone my mood dictates. Perhaps I will try and "rate" them in the future. Lots of variables.

Also I am not too familiar with what I guess would be known as a spread sheet but I will figure it out.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Putting it that way I see that you are right. I need to put it in a file on my computer. I haven't had to use a program like word before. I have to investigate the Ubuntu equivalent and learn how it works. RTFM I guess.

<off-topic> As a software engineer, I have to say that is an amazing statement. In your time with computers, you've become familiar with Ubuntu but not with a word processing application. This is not meant in any way as an insult. I just have never, ever come across someone with that particular set of knowledge. This is something I will have to keep in mind. </off-topic>

As a fledgling razor restorer, I can add that I've used an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the various blades that I've purchased from Ebay. I have little scale templates I've made up from manila folders that I number. The spreadsheet helps me keep track of which template, wood, sanding techniques, and finishing techniques I've used. I imagine that with a lot of experience it's easy to just "know" what the appropriate grits and finishes are, but this helps me build that knowledge base.

Here is a screen shot of my xl chart, it works for me.

Charlie

Originally Posted by KingOfMalkier

<off-topic> As a software engineer, I have to say that is an amazing statement. In your time with computers, you've become familiar with Ubuntu but not with a word processing application. This is not meant in any way as an insult. I just have never, ever come across someone with that particular set of knowledge. This is something I will have to keep in mind. </off-topic>

Briefly, a former systems administrator , aspiring to be a tattoo artist, went to work as a floor guy in the tattoo shop. He began to manage the computer system in the shop. We became friends and he introduced me to Linux. He took care of the computer system at the shop and helped me out with my home PC.

He decided that tattooing wasn't a viable option and he quit. We are still friends but now that he is not working in the shop I became familiar with the term RTFM. When I have a PC problem and ask for help that is the usual response.

I only became computer literate, to the extent that I am, through the system in the tattoo shop beginning in 1999. I have learned what I needed as I have had to and up until now word programs weren't something I needed. I have a program called Open Office which I will try and adapt to the honing log. Now that I am used to Linux with Ubuntu at home and Mint at work I wouldn't run Windows unless I had no alternative.