Beginner Encouraged, but Humbled
Okay I've honed a good many razors in a short period of time and feel like I'm learning my craft. I have a stack of eBay and antique store finds that I've honed and shave with, and generally am happy with.
But it had been a long time since I shaved with a "pro-honed" razor fresh from the honemeister's shop.
So I had this Solingen 7-day set, "Souvenir of [German city]," NOS, nice 6/8's that I had sent to Lynn Abrams to hone months ago. I had not shaved with them, however, thinking I might sell them freshly honed.
Yesterday and today I shaved with a couple of these razors...and now I have a new sense of how far I have to go! Still pleased with my progress, but wow...that guy gets something out of an edge that I haven't been able to find yet!
I guess honing thousands of razors really does improve one's skills!
Many thoughts prompted, Lawson
That souvenir set from Soligen. Lemme know how you like it. I passed a nos set up at the last antique show.
Like yourself, I'm really very happy w/ my edges. I like the shaves, I like that I can get wicked sharp on most, and very sharp but very smooth. Probably like yourself, there are blades that just make a monkey out of you. I sure do.
In most areas, I have little natural talent. Guarnera rightly points to this as being a big separator between the 'most' and the 'greats'. But what one lacks in talent, they can mostly make up for in hard work. 'Not my words - they're from Lanny Basham (multiple gold & silver Olympic medalist & world champion marksman) in his book "With Winning in Mind". Basham described himself as having little natural talent for marksmanship. I don't think this was false humility. Notice the blade counts for the better honemeisters - in the thousands. 'Starts sounding like they learned through hard work too. Through their generosity, we're treated to tips, tricks and insight for free that others must pay dearly for. We're the grateful recipients.
Dwarvenchief - you've got me agitated to learn what stropping secrets or techniques you've gleaned from Carter. Is this material online? One reason for the aggitation is that he's about 15 mi. from me. Does he use a straight? I understand he apprenticed in Japan. What better guy to talk about Jnats (if he does use a str8).
Lawson, what you've shared in this & other posts has been great. I'll never forget the line about abysmal technique assures that everything on your face will get cut except hair. You'll be immortalized for that one! Thanks again for sharing.