Thread: help getting started

I'm going to give honing a try in the next couple months, and I need some advice. I tried this link from the wiki but it says that the article was removed.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...9_do_I_need%3F

Since the link is not working, is this a good hone set to start out with as a beginner? Won't I need a pasted strop or something after the 8k to bring the edge to shave ready condition? Or is that what the included flattening stone is for?

I have a couple razors that were sent to me shave ready. So first thing I need to know, is it ok to try and touch these up on lets say an 8k hone, or is it best to just start at 1k and reset the bevel and go from there?

The ones on ebay are generally just fine; which is a good thing because nobody really makes them anymore.

Just be sure you don't by a 'new' barber hone from ebay, they're usually gabage. Also check the "brands to avoid" list in the wiki first. Any 'vintage' barber hone will work just fine, although you'll probably need to lap it first.

For instance, any of these would be just fine assuming you can get one at a price you're comfortable with....

VINTAGE KEEN KUTTER BARBER RAZOR HONE and EMBOSSED TIN - eBay (item 120675587855 end time Jan-30-11 14:34:04 PST)

Barber Hone for Straight Razor - eBay (item 260726765542 end time Jan-30-11 15:38:10 PST)

CHAMPION Straight Razor Hone, Sharpener, Barber Shop - eBay (item 160534413502 end time Jan-30-11 17:55:01 PST)

OUR VERY BEST Straight Razor Hone Sharpener Barber Shop - eBay (item 160534752420 end time Jan-30-11 18:00:27 PST)

FRANZ SWATY Straight Razor Hone Sharpener Barber Shop - eBay (item 160535788826 end time Jan-30-11 18:35:35 PST)

In fact, that last one is a "3-line swatty" which is generally regarded as an excellent barber hone. It clearly needs to be lapped, but it would serve you extremely well.



(I didn't even look at the prices on those)

Glen used to stock barber hones; I'm not sure if he still does.

Take a look through the "Barber Hones Characteristics" thread that Sham started in the hones section; it has good info on how various barber hones perform.