Thread: Honing Checks

I like the idea! Something else I think would be cool is maybe a different moniker instead of "honemeister" on the forums, one that you have to EARN. Not something automatically given after you type "LOL" 100 times. I think we all agree Lynn is the true Sensei here, and it could be sort of like testing for your black belt. Lynn could evaluate your blade and have Joe assign the new moniker, once we've earned it. It would lend some credibility to those who've put in the blood and sweat becoming true honemeisters. ....Jeff

I only wonder how is Lynn gonna test the razors... If it's the good ole shaving test, he will be busy for a while...

Lynn, really, how are you gonna test the razors???

Nenad

I LOVE the idea of graduating to 'Honemeister', then we could really use the 'Blabbermouth' moniker mentioned so often. (Look at me go! At this rate I might even surpass Rich )

I think as many tests as possible, so thumb test, hanging hair test and shave test, looking for specific qualities with comments after each test. There should also be criteria like the razor has to have shaved you 50 times or something so that it can be clear that the edge is one the honer(hoser?) is responsible for.

Since all blades are not created equal, perhaps a few different blades from each honer would give a better indication of skill level. It would also triple the work of the grader. Since all graders would not be the same either, perhaps a small panel of graders would give a fairer indication. More work again. These are less practical ideas, but certainly more thorough.

Golly,
This is starting to sound like the ABS Journeyman Smith test ) (minus the bend test of course).

Xman revealed very real obstacle for specific/technical “grading”: The variances between razor material, age and condition of the razor as well as the variances between hones used and technique.
I think the spirt of Lynn’s post was basically to get some feed back on how your doing, as opposed to establishing any hierarchy amoung the troops.

I love the idea of having my evolving honing skills evaluated by a master. I would hold off sending one of my razors for evaluation until I got my 12k sharpton and the diamond pastes (both on route). My razors are as sharp as I can get them with the 4k/8k Norton and I am now aiming higher.

Originally Posted by vladsch

until I got my 12k sharpton and the diamond pastes (both on route). My razors are as sharp as I can get them with the 4k/8k Norton and I am now aiming higher.

Yeah, just wait till my laser calibrator and nano sharpening robots start doing their thing, your diamond paste will jump right off that flat bed hone and run away

Nenad

Originally Posted by Kelly

I think the spirt of Lynn’s post was basically to get some feed back on how your doing, as opposed to establishing any hierarchy amoung the troops.

I didn't mean to come across like that. I remember when I first came here and doubted my honing skills, I wanted to send a razor out to be honed so I could see where I stood. I thought I could hone one pretty well, but after reading about Lynn's mystical edges, I wasn't so sure. I also noticed MANY MANY guys sending him razors. I didn't want to add to the burden, so I sought another guy, and didn't know where to turn. It would have been good to know who knew what they were doing and who didn't. Sure with a $10 eBay special it wouldn't matter so much, but before you send off a several hundred dollar TI to someone to crank on, some assurance would be nice. That's all I was thinking. .....Jeff

If we're talking about evaluating razors I don't think it really takes more than an experienced shaver with a two day growth of beard to use the suspect razor. If it gives a superb comfortable shave thats all there is to it. Now if your talking about microscopic evaluations and passing all kinds of technical tests thats another story.

There is only one real test and that is shaving. All you need, as already mentioned, is an experienced shaver. You want your razor to be as smooth and close as possible. Any dragging at all, either with or cross grain is not there. There are a lot of shave ready vendors out there whose razors do not meet my standards. No dig on their skills meant at all. Tis just a level of excellence in the shave. None of us are perfect every time either. Just another way to help others improve their skills. Interesting comments thoughtout this thread. Thanks. Lynn

I shipped a Friodur that I sold on eBay to a gentleman in Texas who has a LOT of razors. I was nervous as I advertised optional honing and he took me up on it. This was the email I got today, so I am pumped!

"Larry I got the razor today,everything came fine,man that is scary sharp you really did a great job honing it.I shaved with it this afternoon........"

Woohoo

I ain't sending no razor to Lynn! Hell no. I am happy in my little pretend world.