Thread: A pleasant surprise

We are always trying to improve our shave through honing. In the last two years I have tried all kind of methods, pyramid, progressive, you name it, I tried it. Recently, I purchased a set of Belgian coti stones and a Chinese 12k. I went to this forum to get all the information needed to use these stones. I read everything I could find on the subject. Finally, I was well read on the subject. One thing is to read about the subject and another is to actually hone the razor. I followed all the instructions to the letter and it worked. I was still not satisfied with the shave. I used one TI with c135 carbon steel and the other was another TI "Le Grelot", both very nice shavers. Formula used BBW w/ slurry, Coti w/ water, Chinese 12k w/ water, cro2 and latigo strop. I went back to the Chinese 12 k w/ Coti-yellow diluted slurry, cro2, latigo strop and to my pleasant surprise the shaves were better than any previous shaves with any other razors. I was able to shave my chin properly, underneath the jaws, and mustach, no cuts or nicks. Why? I do not know, but if you do, explain it to me. Chinese 12k w/coti slurry? Juan

What you used may be irrelevant. It may simply be that further honing further improved the edge

If it ain't broke don't fix it !

Congrats on your success and thanks for letting us know what you did.
The real test will be if it works on the next 3 razors.
FWIW, it usually takes me at least 2 honing sessions and usually 3 before I get an edge "dialed in" to suit my beard.

I am glad to read I am not the only one that has to do a second hone. I thought I was doing something wrong. I talked to other honing experts and they use slurry on the chinese 12k as power diamond? I noticed each blade will hone different even from the same brand. I really like the Belgian stone, they hone a very smooth edge. Juan

Originally Posted by juannaredo

I am glad to read I am not the only one that has to do a second hone. I thought I was doing something wrong. I talked to other honing experts and they use slurry on the chinese 12k as power diamond? I noticed each blade will hone different even from the same brand. I really like the Belgian stone, they hone a very smooth edge. Juan

I have used the Ch12K for a number of years. I do not use a slurry on mine. I always do 100 + laps and it works just fine.

Yes, each blade seems to be a bit different. You just have to expect that.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

If it ain't broke don't fix it !

Congrats on your success and thanks for letting us know what you did.
The real test will be if it works on the next 3 razors.
FWIW, it usually takes me at least 2 honing sessions and usually 3 before I get an edge "dialed in" to suit my beard.

In that case it looks as if I'm going to get even better shaves than after my first honing (Successful session) which has given me great shaves.That was months ago and I never thought I'd get to the stage of honing a razor (or 7) successfully. I must be stropping properly now too because at first I needed to send my razors out to be honed after only two or three weeks.I'm so chuffed things are working out now and I'm confident that I'll be able to maintain their edges.

I took your advise and added laps to my Chinese 12k routine. The shave got better, thanks for the advise. I am still hung on the synthetic that do not need that many laps. Thanks again, Juan.

Originally Posted by juannaredo

I was able to shave my chin properly, underneath the jaws, and mustach, no cuts or nicks. Why? I do not know, but if you do, explain it to me.

More honing experience can account for some of it but don't forget improved shaving technique. With two years of straight razor shaving under your belt your technique has no doubt improved as well.

Randy made me aware of his going back to the hone to dial the edge in a couple of years ago. He suggested to me that I shave test at the 8k level before moving up to the 12k or above. This way I would really know that I had gotten the razor to a level where it was ready for further polishing of the edge. I found that to be a very good way to assess my progress and improve my honing.