Thread: Sharpening razor in Oz

I've just been given a Dovo razor that needs a hone and stop before use, and from looking through all the info on the net I've purchased a combination Japanese water stone 3000/8000. (I can't find a local Norton supplier or a local supplier of a combiantion 4000/8000). I'm also organising a leather/canvas strop.

Will this be enough for me to get my Dovo shaving perfectly?

I've downloaded all the info on how to sharpen and shave, including the pyramid process, how to hone and strop, etc. But do I need to paste my strop? Do I have all the right tools?

Any further advice?

Can anyone suggest a good contact in Australia, preferrably Perth?

Cheers

Brooksy I'm startin the journey also, only with the Norton 4k/8k. I'll be watchin for your updates on your progress..Good honing
Tom from KC

Probably not, but it can become perfect with practice. A Norton is all you need, technically. I would add a paddle strop or a piece of leather or a belt impregnated with .5 paste to help you out. Or a barber hone off Ebay. But, be patient and try it out. Try learning how to get the razor running with just a Norton and see how it goes first. Then repost and we'll talk.....

Well, since you already have the 3000/8000 combination stone, I think it is not necesary to get another one. You also don't need the pasted strop, but further along, you can try and improve the edge with one. For now, you have all you need to get the perfect shave.

have fun,
Nenad

Yes, sorry I misunderstood the 3k/8k should be fine as well. You don't need to buy a Norton.

But I'd still recommend the paddle strop with 0.5 micron paste. I use it all the time, but I have a fine beard and so need a fine blade. This is a big step you're taking. You're going to want to get that razor humming sooner rather than later so you can do what you bought it for, to SHAVE with it! The paste will help you get there.

X

The only thing I would add here is start with the 8000. If you think you initially need the 3K go real slow and careful with it since its a tad coarser than the standard 4K most of us use to do the real sharpening.

Most new blades (unless you got a bad sample) just need a touchup. Its very possible the pasted strop might do the job also and its easier to use as a newbe.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The only thing I would add here is start with the 8000. If you think you initially need the 3K go real slow and careful with it since its a tad coarser than the standard 4K most of us use to do the real sharpening.

Actually, that is a bit irelevant, since there is great confusion and grit mismatch between hone manufacturers. We use Norton since someone tryed it first and concluded it is ok. Who knows what it's real grit is?? Over at nassrasur.com, the german straight razor place, the stone of choice are 3000/6000 combination stone and Belgian coticule...

Nenad

Thanks guys, very helpful. I'll let you know how it all goes.

I think my plan of attack is go the a couple of very light stokes on the 3k and then the 8k to start with and see how that goes.

Hi Brooksy,
Can I ask where you sourced to combination Japanese water stone? I'm from Melbourne and seem to have the same issue with the Nortons locally.
Cheers..