Thread: Honing In Calgary Alberta

Originally Posted by rmalak

@Glen, Knifewear is the only knife place that I might bring my razor to if I didn't want to hone it myself. They have numerous people there that shave with a straight.

@desol, it would be great to hear about your experience with Knifewear but if you want I can hone your razor for you.

Hi Rmalak. Sorry, took a while to get back. I did talk to knifewear and have yet to go in and talk with them/drop the razor off. They quoted me $15 for the hone. I think i'll use them the first time, and report back. If i have issues, i'll definately take you up on the offer. Thanks, really appreciate it...

Originally Posted by desol

Does anyone have any info on anyone currently offering honing services in the Calgary area? I guess scott ended up closing down.

New to straight shaving and need a proper hone. Thanks in advance!

Edit: I contacted Knifewear here in Calgary, and they offer honing services and a nice selection of straight razor products. I'll report back with the results for any Calgary folks. Cheers..

Hi Desol... I have used Knifewear once and they did an okay job but I wouldn't use the service again. I can get a way better edge to be honest. To their defense the owner does shave with a straight every now and then... They primarily carry products but word is they are getting ready for a full service shave shop this year. Stay tuned.

Originally Posted by Jmveness

... word is they are getting ready for a full service shave shop this year. Stay tuned.

Cool! Is this the place in Inglewood? I'm trying to be self-sufficient with my shaving stuff, but it would be nice to have some place to bring in my WB if I get stuck.

I've been trying to hone this big old blade without tape this time (on my Norton 4/8) and it's been tricky. I bought more tape... I think it may be critical for some of these thicker old beasts, especially with uneven spine wear.

Originally Posted by Atchbo

Cool! Is this the place in Inglewood? I'm trying to be self-sufficient with my shaving stuff, but it would be nice to have some place to bring in my WB if I get stuck.

I've been trying to hone this big old blade without tape this time (on my Norton 4/8) and it's been tricky. I bought more tape... I think it may be critical for some of these thicker old beasts, especially with uneven spine wear.

Yes, Knifewear is the place in Inglewood. I've heard lackluster reviews of their hone jobs. They are a good place to get naniwa stones locally though. As for honing, I'm happier to do mine myself.

They do have some pretty amazing Japanese knives, and a good selection of hones. They also have a booth at the farmer's market, where the guy had a really nice hand-made red leather strop.

If I had more space in my house, I'd get into making strops etc... across the street from my work is a place that sells amazing leather. Problem is that I'd have enough from one hide to make 100 strops!

Originally Posted by Atchbo

across the street from my work is a place that sells amazing leather.

Where might this place be?

Originally Posted by Atchbo

They do have some pretty amazing Japanese knives, and a good selection of hones. They also have a booth at the farmer's market, where the guy had a really nice hand-made red leather strop.

I found them at the Farmer's Market yesterday and although they were very busy I managed a short visit with a young gal at the front counter. What struck me was her enthusiasm for wet shaving.
She told me that portion of the business is expanding at a rapid rate and they are designating a larger portion of their shop to shaving supplies.
Apparently they are planning to offer courses on straight razor sharpening at their 77th Ave location sometime in the future.
Gotta check 'em out!

Greetings,

I'm sorry in advance if I shouldn't be restarting an old thread.. I've had my straight for over a month and I bought it from SRD, its a DOVO silver steel and I'm happy with the razor overall but I'm concerned it wasn't shave ready, I can't strop properly or my technique is still poor. I know Lynn's rep is spotless(that's why I chose SRD) so I don't want anyone taking this as any kind of review, I had no reference point as to what a "shave-ready" razor was, I also stropped it as soon as I got it which was dumb.

Anyway, I'm getting tugging in certain areas and some irritation. The blade seems to pass the thumb-pad test but definitely not the hanging hair test, and yes I know that's a controversial one . There's just so many variables here, could someone here in the Calgary area with experience check this thing out? I've also thought of taking it over to knifewear but I figured I should throw a post up here first.. and again, not calling into question the skill or professionalism of the people at SRD.. I'm a total rookie, the fact I don't know what a shave-ready razor feels like is driving me nuts. Someone with experience has to take a look at it for my peace of mind lol.

Cheers

Hi Habsfan,

I work in downtown calgary everyday. If you would like I can meet you at the bow building to check out your straight. With that said SRD has an excellent reputation for honing and I would suggest that your technique with the razor is what is causing you a bit of discomfort. The good news is that you are experiencing something perfectly normal. What's even better is that with every shave you get even better and the small mistakes will go away.

Let me know if you still want me to look at your razor.

I think what Jmveness said is bang on. It's likely a stropping issue by the sound of it.

It might be as simple as having someone strop it and show you the right tension to use on the strop vs pressure on the razor. Never know.

I live in Bridgeland and could have a look one evening, but although I am happy with my shaves from my own honing, I'm still pretty new in the grand scheme.