Thread: New to the hone question

I have two razors that I have been rotating for a few months and they are both in need of honing. Ordered a set of Naniwa (1k, 5k, 8k, 12k) hones and want to learn. Both razors were shave ready and were done really well by honemisters. I intend to send one out to be honed and do the other myself as a learning experience. Here is the question, do I need to start at 1k? It shaves, but not comfortable anymore. The barber hone is not cutting it anymore. But, I can shave the cheeks with it, but, that is about it. I have a very heavy beard and shave 4 to 6 days a week. I have been reading through the wiki, but, seem to fail to find out what to do with a razor in this condition. Thank you for any advice, Carlo

First of all if your razors are expensive, find a cheap eBay special and learn on it. If you are fine working with the razors you have, since you want to learn start from 1k and up.

Barber hone doesn't work anymore? Did you change the batteries? I would not go any lower than 8K. Using anything less in untrained hands will be disaster. I wouldn't send either out until you atleast try.

All you are doing is an edge update.

I would say start by trying 10-20 passes on the 12k, and if that doesn't do it, go to 10-20 on the 8k followed by 10-20 on the 12k.

Yep, I'm with Holli. Start with the least aggressive since you are just 'refreshing' the edge amd step backwards and back up if it doesn't work. Lighter pressure on blade to hone will give smoother shaves. Lap counts are not a good way to determine when a blade is finished on a hone and should only be a rough guide. To prevent over honing and wire edge just do a few laps and test the cut on arm hair is several different spots along the edge. Start with low lap counts and work up as results determine. When hairs start to pop off time to move to the next highest hone or end. If you get into the 20's or 30's with lap counts and the edge is still far from where you want it to be move down in grit. After some experience you will be able to determine when to move down w/ less laps and maybe even where to start with grits. In the end what hones you use and how long will be based on your technique and experience.

This is General rule
if your blade was previously shave ready then you will need to start from high go to low
example
12k
10k
8k
5k
etc.
Until you feel edge start to get sharper from that point start to move up.
how many laps is not important don't do more then 20 on each stone.
if you are honing bay razor do opposite.
1k 3k so on
gl

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I would say start by trying 10-20 passes on the 12k, and if that doesn't do it, go to 10-20 on the 8k followed by 10-20 on the 12k.

+5 on the start with the fine stone and work your way up as needed.

Nice smooth. Set the spine down, soft as a feather let the edge down no
pressure push it cross the hone.... then strop in the normal way.

If it was sharp the 12k may need a couple of visits without
a trip to the 8k... depends.

Great info thanks guys, Carlo