Thread: Some thoughts on "Learning to Hone"

I agree completely with you, Glen about the throwing them into the deep end analogy. "Learn to hone on some crap razors" is giving them the most challenging and therefore often the most frustrating task right away.

One thing to be said for it though, when someone learns to effectively set a bevel, the rest is easy in comparison. What's better, then? Learning the hardest thing first or learning the hardest thing later? I think it depends on the person. Someone who is easily frustrated will all too often grab a crap razor, never set a proper bevel and throw in the towel. Others stick through the process of tearing out some hair, throwing a few razors against the wall tomahawk style and come through the other side proficient at honing their own razors.

Chris L

Chris great minds think alike I must have been typing my edit as you were typing your post....

I think it's better to tell people to learn on an inexpensive razor, or one without any sentimental value. "Crap" is a pretty relative term and could suggest that there are already major problems with the steel.

I got a razor to learn how to hone on. It was a few bucks in an auction lot and was a J.F. Ganley "Ganley's Gula", made in Detroit. The edge was straight but dull, so I used it to practice honing from the bevel to polish. I did scrape some of it on the hone when I started, which is why I'm glad I didn't use a restored/heirloom razor. The scrapes came from me trying to figure out how to hold my arms and hands and how to flip the razor and all.

So I agree with you entirely, Glen. The quality and condition of the steel should be good and not crap. Something inexpensive would be good -- there are lots of off-brand American razors that are cheap and give great shaves. I love my Ganley and my Kinfolks, and I paid less than $20 total for both.

Originally Posted by commiecat

So I agree with you entirely, Glen. The quality and condition of the steel should be good and not crap. Something inexpensive would be good -- there are lots of off-brand American razors that are cheap and give great shaves. I love my Ganley and my Kinfolks, and I paid less than $20 total for both.

Hmmmm another thought:

Maybe say start with a Full hollow grind straight edge razor in good to great condition?????

These are the easiest....

Thank you sir for another great thought on this....

I started on pretty good razors.At the very beginning I read plenty of SRP post, watched several videos about honing and honed Edwin Jagger, later bismarck- fially good result archived. 2 days ago arrived my new fili, with damned shajing hands I did it and bingo.My conclusion if you follow few simply instructions all will go fine.Important is not to start with the rubbish- that's a task for people like Lynn, not for beginners.