Thread: Hone vs. Paste for touching up?

I have been doing most of my "touch ups" on my shave ready razors on pasted balsa with crox. I have been getting decent results and it seems to refresh the edge well enough.

Last night, I decided to touch up one of my razors on my Nani 12k (10 laps) prior to using the crox. The result was 100% better than the paste alone. Now, I know this is probably obvious, but I have seen so many recommendations that you go to paste first until the edge does not come back, and then you hone.

Is there really any downside to going directly to the 12k when the razor starts to tug/pull?

Originally Posted by Fbones24

Is there really any downside to going directly to the 12k when the razor starts to tug/pull?

None at all. The only potential downside would be if someone new to hones has a bad stroke and or uses to much pressure. But to a competent honer there is no downside at all.

I prefer hones and never really liked pastes.

You should try the paste first and if it is not good enough then try the 12k then paste. If that's not good enough go one lower etc. like 8k. So you hone only from what you need.

The recommendation to go to pastes or sprays first is really a recommendation to use the least agressive means first, and if that doesn't work go to a more agressive tool.

Where it gets subjective is determining at what point you need to freshen a razor. Shaver "A" might be so sensitive that as soon as his razor goes off in the slightest it needs a touch up. Shaver "B" might be able to use a razor that is well past the objectionable point for "A". Shaver B might have to start with a 12K or even 8K to refesh his blade while "A" can use a paste or spray and be fine.

I don't think there is any significant reason you couldn't go straight to your 12K other than extremely minimal wear to the blade and hone.

Originally Posted by Bill S

Where it gets subjective is determining at what point you need to freshen a razor. Shaver "A" might be so sensitive that as soon as his razor goes off in the slightest it needs a touch up. Shaver "B" might be able to use a razor that is well past the objectionable point for "A". Shaver B might have to start with a 12K or even 8K to refesh his blade while "A" can use a paste or spray and be fine.

Exactly what he said. Personally, I'm in Shaver A camp and yes, my touchups are more frequent, but I don't have to do very much either. Steel removal @ that 12K stage is pretty negligible if you're only doing a few strokes. I wouldn't worry about it. Give it a try & see if you notice a difference.

Even though the rounded bevel theory has been thoroughly disputed, there does seem to be a point when chrome ox is no longer effective for touch ups. Although I can't say what/when that point is, my general rule is to do roughly 3 touchups of chrome-on-balsa before going to a hone. Seems to work for me, but it's all trial and error.

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I have been doing most of my "touch ups" on my shave ready razors on pasted balsa with crox. I have been getting decent results and it seems to refresh the edge well enough.

Last night, I decided to touch up one of my razors on my Nani 12k (10 laps) prior to using the crox. The result was 100% better than the paste alone. Now, I know this is probably obvious, but I have seen so many recommendations that you go to paste first until the edge does not come back, and then you hone.

Is there really any downside to going directly to the 12k when the razor starts to tug/pull?

The NA12K is a tough act to follow.

There is no downside... just preference.
I have found and I suspect you will too...
that CrOx adds smoothness....