Honing a brand new razor

**Dups** · 03-01-2009, 04:30 PM

What would you recommend for a factory new Dovo SS. I'd like to keep the spine free of any sign of honing. Would putting one layer of tape on it change things too much? Should I start by trying some strokes on a 8k to see if it does the trick or should I automatically assume that it needs to go down to the 4k to set a proper bevel and edge on it? The razor should be here by tomorrow so I'm planning ahead.

**AusTexShaver** · 03-01-2009, 05:03 PM

I would recommend sending it out to be honed.

Sorry, couldn't help myself...but if 4k is the coarsest grit you have you may wish you had taken that advice.

Maybe things were different in the old days but lately every brand new out of the box Dovo I've run into lately (last couple years) looked like the factory honed them with the spine lifted so you have to remove a lot of metal before the edge gets sharp with the spine resting on the hone.

I'd recommend starting with a 1k stone until you get the bevel set then move up in grit. One layer of tape isn't going to make much of a difference.

**Dups** · 03-01-2009, 05:07 PM

I had a similar experience with a dovo tortoise. I ended honing it with 2 layers of tape which helped achieved the proper angle I think. It's now a fabulous shaver.

We'll see how the factory bevel and edge looks like I guess.

I'll probably start with a conservative pyramid with one layer of tape and see where that gets me.

**JimmyHAD** · 03-01-2009, 06:01 PM

Just IME, I hone every razor I have with one layer of tape and I have over 100. No problems yet. The way I understand it the 4k is to get it sharp and the 8k is to refine and polish the bevel. If I get a new or a used razor I examine the edge under 30x magnification. If it looks alright I do the TPT. If it feels sharp I strop it and see if it will pop hair on my forearm or leg. If it does I shave.

If it won't pass the TPT I try the TNT. If it won't pass that I put some marker on the edge to see how it is hitting the hone and start setting the bevel using the stroke dictated by the results of the marker test. You know the rest from there on out.

**Dups** · 03-01-2009, 06:46 PM

It will be my first time honing a stainless steel razor as well. This should be interesting :P

**AusTexShaver** · 03-01-2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Dups

It will be my first time honing a stainless steel razor as well. This should be interesting :P

Don't let the fact it is stainless psych you out. When you're done I think you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

While I have VERY limited experience with stainless what I noticed is it takes a couple more laps than I normally use but (for me at least) it seems easier to see what's going on with a microscope. I guess the metal is shinier or something but it seems like I can see the scratch patter easier without getting the lighting angle just right.

Let us know how it goes!

**Dups** · 03-02-2009, 12:23 PM

Unfortunately it looks like the razor is stuck in Montreal, probably in customs there. It says estimated date of delivery on Fedex's website as today by 5pm so maybe, but I don't think so

**Dups** · 03-02-2009, 01:17 PM

Ohhh nevermind! Package is in town! Still doesn't say that it's out for delivery but it's at the local depot here! I think I'm gonna head over there right now!:P

**Dups** · 03-02-2009, 02:26 PM

Woot Woot! Got the razor! It looks awesome! Now for some honing!

**JimmyHAD** · 03-02-2009, 03:15 PM

Is it a brand new razor ? Try shaving with it before you hone it.

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