Thread: Read This B4 Starting to Hone!

Originally Posted by Basset

Well, coincidentally I just mailed a razor to Ray for honing. Cheers to him for that post.

However, I hope other newbies (I count myself among their ranks) do not mis-read Ray's post and conclude that the only honing worth their effort trying is "maintenance" honing, with the rest going to honemeisters. Most of us can't imagine honing 100, or even 50 razors.

My own experimentation with honing butter knife dull antique store finds has been that it is quite possible for the absolute novice to hone them into nice shavers. My very first hone job involved a dull razor with microchips. It's now a pretty solid, comfortable shaver.

Ray and others could no doubt make it a better one, but right now it works quite well for me. It is also something I brought back myself, which adds another layer of satisfaction.

If as a newbie you find honing is too challenging / frustrating, you can always sell your hones and recover most of the cost. But don't be afraid to give it a try, even if you can't imagine ever honing 100 razors.

Hear Hear.

I know Ray, not that well, but well enough to know he certainly didn't want to discourage anyone with his story.

There's a world of difference between rehoning a fully serviceable razor, that just dulled from months of shaving, and getting any razor in any possible condition it might arrive in, up to speed again. The former can be done by following a few guidelines with some determination. The latter requires a deeper understanding of different sharpening techniques and several methods for probing the edge during the job.

We often see newbies around here that start with a razor that poses a far too big challenge for the inexperienced.
Because of that honing razors has gotten a nasty reputation of being extremely difficult.

Anyone can learn how to maintain a few personal razors in a relatively short period of time, and shave "straight" happily ever after.
That doesn't do injustice to Ray's achievements though.

Bart.

Originally Posted by Bart

Hear Hear.

I know Ray, not that well, but well enough to know he certainly didn't want to discourage anyone with his story.

There's a world of difference between rehoning a fully serviceable razor, that just dulled from months of shaving, and getting any razor in any possible condition it might arrive in, up to speed again. The former can be done by following a few guidelines with some determination. The latter requires a deeper understanding of different sharpening techniques and several methods for probing the edge during the job.

We often see newbies around here that start with a razor that poses a far too big challenge for the inexperienced.
Because of that honing razors has gotten a nasty reputation of being extremely difficult.

Anyone can learn how to maintain a few personal razors in a relatively short period of time, and shave "straight" happily ever after.
That doesn't do injustice to Ray's achievements though.

Bart.

Thanks Bart, I couldn't have said it any better. The purpose of this thread was only to clarify a statement that was made to someone that might have been taken the wrong way.

I would absolutly encourage everyone starting out to give honing a try. Some may find this to be their calling, I certainly have, but this should help you to be aware of the issues you may have to deal with.

Sorry if someone has taken this the wrong way. And thanks Lynn for the saying to begin with.

Ray

Originally Posted by Bart

We often see newbies around here that start with a razor that poses a far too big challenge for the inexperienced.
Because of that honing razors has gotten a nasty reputation of being extremely difficult. Bart.

You know Bart I have been tossing that same notion around for quite awhile...
It seemed to me for quite some time I kept reading about new Honers taking on this or that blade they bought on e-bay.. I kept saying damn get an easier razor to learn on that W&B Wedge with the warped heel is going to be tuff...

Here has been my latest revelation on that problem, get your first razor honed by an established Honemiester either in the classifieds, from a reputable vendor, or by sending it out.... When that razor needs honing get a second "shave ready" razor and learn on the first...
Now you have a few things helping your success at honing, you have a former bench mark that you shaved with, (this means you should know when you get it sharp enough) and you have a new bench mark in your hand... Your former bench mark has an established bevel and should take to the hones rather easily... Keep in mind guys we are not talking two shave ready Livi's here you can easily do this on a budget...

That's my story and I am sticking with it....


Good story Ray...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Here has been my latest revelation on that problem, get your first razor honed by an established Honemiester either in the classifieds, from a reputable vendor, or by sending it out....

+1 Following that advice had a very positive result in my shaving and in my honing.

Awesome post. As a newbie - I thank you very much for the reflections and your dedication. This is something to ponder... A+

This should be a sticky!!

Learning to hone just a few razors that you own is much easier than learning to hone for other people or than learning to hone so you can hone a collection of 50 or 100 or 1000 razors. That is why I honed around 1000 razors before ever charging for it. The knowledge that you get from honing all the shapes, sizes and steels that were made in different periods of history really takes this part of the art to a different level. When you think you know what you are doing at 100 razors look back when you have honed 1000. If you thought you were really good and knowledgeable after 1000 razors, look back after you have honed 10,000 and so on.

I continue to learn something new about honing each and every day.

I sometimes feel that the biggest enemy of a new guy and honing is having the patience to really learn to hone. It is not hard to learn and really should just take a little practice, especially with the information available in this forum. When you can find someone to learn from in person, the learning curve is even shorter. I always tell new guys and even those who have made things sharp their entire lives, to put their expectations into perspective when it comes to a straight razor. The more that you learn a nice even stroke and what your stones can do and how many strokes work for you and to not use too much pressure or uneven pressure and so on, the more successful you will become even with your first razor. That basically was why I started the very first straight razor forum and I believe to this day, that the mission for all of us who have experience is to help others learn. My biggest concern and wish is for every one who uses a straight razor to be able to maintain their own razor. Just don't expect to hang your shingle out during the first few weeks of the learning curve.........

and please..........

Have fun!!!!



Thanks,

Lynn

I think the most valuable tools for helping me get started and encouraged are the videos. I would ask all of the experienced honemeisters to join Randy, Lynn, and Ken Rup. in adding to the video library.

Ray - That's a great story of triumph, and truth, and I wish you the best of success as a honester!

Cheers!

Tom,
It has been quite a learning experience. Thanks for the kind words and the encouragement you have given me.

Ray