Thread: Learning to hone

I got a shave ready razor from Glen and I'm having a lot of fun learning to shave with it but my next project is learning to hone.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting the Norton package that has the 220/1000, 4000/8000 and the lapping stone for $119 on Amazon. It seems like a really good deal but I haven't made a final decision yet. I'm also considering getting the 3M Micro Abrasive film from toolsforwoodworking.com in the 40, 15, 5, 1, and 0.3 µm sizes (which using the numbers on the Shapton Super Stones equates to about 370, 1000, 3000, 15000, and 49000 grit respectively) and mounting them on glass plates. Using the films should eliminate having to lap the stones, it will end up being a much finer grit, and the initial costs will be much less. I have no idea how many times I would be able to use each sheet but each sheet is only around $2 and will make 3 separate strips to use so it seems like it would take a lot of use to get up to the price of the Norton kit. The Norton does seem like the more standard choice which is why I'm leaning towards it at the moment but I have to admit that the low price and super fine grit of the 3M films is very tempting. I was hoping people will tell me what problems I can expect if I try to use the 3M film and I just want some advice in general. I would also appreciate any other options people want to point out.

As for actually learning to hone, I was hoping someone could offer some advice as to where to get a decent razor as cheap as possible that is NOT in shave ready condition that I can practice honing on before I actually have to hone my shave ready razor.

Brent

Ebay has some pretty awful razors you can practice on. Just need good steel.

That is a really good price on the Norton stones. Almost too good to be true.

But cool if it is.

That seems like a really, really nice set up. Might almost be a little too much.

Perhaps a combination of Ideas You have can be a dream set up. You can
1.get the Norton stones which are very cost effective and a good product.

2. Get higher grit diamond films additionally, like 1 micron, .3micron and .1 micron diamond films for your final finish, The can be backed onto your lapped Norton stone with water only and will give you several razors per sheet at least. A member recently sent me the .1 diamond film for me to try and it was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This would be a set up that covers all the bases and would be cost effective too. It would give you insight to see if you are a "stone guy" or a "film Guy" or both!!
Michael

I sure do like the Nortons. I started with that set and ebay razors. I've since added quite a variety or hones to the mix but I could do just fine with the Nortons if that was all I had. I have no experience with the film.

Looking for razors on ebay or in an antique shop, flea market or what have you condition is the key. Look for good solid blades with little or no hone wear and no cracks in the scales. Stay away from rusted blades and also "hot item" collectibles.

There are plenty of very good razors by obscure makers that sell at reasonable prices. The Fillys, Ducks and Pumas are all fine but many times sell for top dollar and more. If the photos aren't revealing enough ask the seller if there are any chips or cracks in the blade or the scales. Saves time and trouble sending stuff back and eating the postage.

I believe that the best place to buy good razors at a reasonable price still is the classifieds. Ebay can be good too but more often than not, it is a crap shoot, specially for a new member. Among other things, some times the angle of the pictures can fool even the most experienced of buyers, add bidding wars, not to mention the time it takes to complete the whole process. Perhaps this thread my be useful to you: http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...mp-honing.html

To make the process of learning easier you want a good razor/s (check the wiki for acceptable brands) so that you can gauge your progress. Also, you would like to defer some aspects of restoration such as dealing with excessive hone wear, uneven spines, edges etc. In my opinion, the easiest razor to learn with is a new razor.

Al raz.

Originally Posted by bettis211

I got a shave ready razor from Glen and I'm having a lot of fun learning to shave with it but my next project is learning to hone.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting the Norton package that has the 220/1000, 4000/8000 and the lapping stone for $119 on Amazon. It seems like a really good deal but I haven't made a final decision yet. I'm also considering getting the 3M Micro Abrasive film from toolsforwoodworking.com in the 40, 15, 5, 1, and 0.3 µm sizes (which using the numbers on the Shapton Super Stones equates to about 370, 1000, 3000, 15000, and 49000 grit respectively) and mounting them on glass plates. Using the films should eliminate having to lap the stones, it will end up being a much finer grit, and the initial costs will be much less. I have no idea how many times I would be able to use each sheet but each sheet is only around $2 and will make 3 separate strips to use so it seems like it would take a lot of use to get up to the price of the Norton kit. The Norton does seem like the more standard choice which is why I'm leaning towards it at the moment but I have to admit that the low price and super fine grit of the 3M films is very tempting. I was hoping people will tell me what problems I can expect if I try to use the 3M film and I just want some advice in general. I would also appreciate any other options people want to point out.

As for actually learning to hone, I was hoping someone could offer some advice as to where to get a decent razor as cheap as possible that is NOT in shave ready condition that I can practice honing on before I actually have to hone my shave ready razor.

Brent