Thread: Str8 from 1k

The edge is our main weapon against wiskers. All the preparation and technique in the world can not overcome a lack for this most crucial aspect.

A well prepared beard, shaved with sound, confident technique will certainly make the task easier with any given edge. However neither of these can improve shave quality as dramatically as will a fully sharp, smooth razor.

There have been some good discussions lately examining the smallest details, far beyond necessity of practical matters. We think in terms of micrometers, even nanometers, just this side of nothingness.

We want the next highest grit, the best natural finisher, another strop to load. If you can stop for just a moment and re-boot, you may find yourself wondering; what is all of this for?

You may feel as though you already have the answer. You likely have strong opinions on what you need to get a good shave.

However I would like to submit for your consideration that shaving directly from 1k grit stone can provide not only a degree of sharpness that produces smooth touch with the grain, but will do so without irritation and burning.

It is not to be the end of the pursuit. But without this corner stone the rest of what follows, its necessity, its purpose can never be actualized or understood.

I have shaved off a 4k and an 8k. I could never get the edge smooth enough off a 1k. I guess I could if I spent 2 hours stropping.

I get your point and that some get obsessed with honing. I almost got there then I realized that I needed just a minimum for a setup and have stuck to that.

Originally Posted by singlewedge

I get your point and that some get obsessed with honing. I almost got there then I realized that I needed just a minimum for a setup and have stuck to that.

I think that the average member here or straight razor shaver elsewhere has come to the same conclusion you have and that is fine. For some of us honing is an end in itself and that is fine too. Different strokes for different folks ..... literally.

I shave off of the 8k or the equivalent with every razor I hone before I move up to a finer finishing grit. I've never thought of trying it off the 4k and certainly not the 1k. That would certainly be a test.

My skin is sensitive to the point that I am limited to 2 passes whether with a straight or a DE with a new Gillette Swede so I don't think I will be stepping up to the plate for that one but it is an interesting idea.

I think it is ok to be "obcessed" with honing. Of course being clinically, insanely obcessed is probably not healthy. Strops and straps are for later first we have to make a smooth edge.

What I am hoping you and others will do is simply revisit this issue next time you start a sharpening session. Let's explore a little what needs to happen in order to tame its reputation.

sometime in the future try again; see what has happened to your skills.

We can form our opinions early, we try a stone, a technique-- No Good. We move on expecting it to be always so, absolutely true.

I agree with Jimmy, if I had the coin to have some the rare and pretty stones that he has I would do it. But I realized that they would be too pretty to use so I stuck with this:

1k ceramic Global
3.5k Arkansas
6k King
12k Chinese
1 mic Diamond on balsa
.5 mic CRo2 on balsa
Strop and canvas.

Does me just fine.

I would like a Forest or a Water of Ayr, but that is not in th cards.

I've got the Forest but if I could just find a Water of Ayr I might could get my razors sharp.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I think that the average member here or straight razor shaver elsewhere has come to the same conclusion you have and that is fine. For some of us honing is an end in itself and that is fine too. Different strokes for different folks ..... literally.

I shave off of the 8k or the equivalent with every razor I hone before I move up to a finer finishing grit. I've never thought of trying it off the 4k and certainly not the 1k. That would certainly be a test.

My skin is sensitive to the point that I am limited to 2 passes whether with a straight or a DE with a new Gillette Swede so I don't think I will be stepping up to the plate for that one but it is an interesting idea.

Yes Jimmy. and we are gonna try to get you past that. Everyone has something: a thick beard of wire, sensitive skin, thin soft hair, jowls. I am not dismissing your condition, but let's see what happens.

Thanks for your point of view OS. I assumed from the start there would be more than a few who would not be interested for quite a number of reasons.

I have tried it before, as I have with all my razor hones. The result this time were much improved over that original first go round. Similarly, my first edges prepared on 8k left me with the desire for a finer hone believing that was all I needed.

I guess it's time for me to confess I've shaved my beard once with a 600 grit diasharp DMT-honed edge.

Irritation and burning resulted

Originally Posted by kevint

Thanks for your point of view OS. I assumed from the start there would be more than a few who would not be interested for quite a number of reasons.

I have tried it before, as I have with all my razor hones. The result this time were much improved over that original first go round. Similarly, my first edges prepared on 8k left me with the desire for a finer hone believing that was all I needed.

Ah so... the point being that with improved honing skills the shave improved. Very true and I for one am seeking to ....hone my skills ... and no pun intended.