Thread: Honing help

Hi,

I have just joined SRP and hope I am posting correctly and in the right place...

I have recently begun using my grandfather's 4/8 'Suprema' straight razor, salvaged from my mother's sewing box. I have cleaned most of the rust using wet and dry paper, leaving only some patina and pitting that I don't expect will effect the shave.

So far so good... Now I want to know if my honing and stropping are ok. I honed the razor on a Japanese water stone 1000 grit and 4000 grit. I then polished the edge on the suede side of my strop before stropping as usual.

It shaves ok but I was wondering if I should get a higher grit stone or some strop paste for the suede side? Does the suede side work even?

Hopefully some one with experience can help.

Thanks,

Harry.

What kind of hone is the 4k? The shave off my Naniwa 5k was smooth, and I suppose I'd be ok with just that. Though higher is certainly much nicer. I'd say grab an 8k, and maybe some chrome ox or similar to see if you like it.

Most of us use at least an 8K. You can obtain very good shaves off an 8K edge. Just before each and every shave be sure and strop for 30-60 rountrip laps. Your face will thank you.

Welcome to the SRP,

I was actually using 1k and 6k. my mistake. I will also consider going up to 8k based on your advise. How about the suede side of the strop? H

IMHO, there is no need for the suede side of the strop.