Thread: New hone question

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So I still just have my first razor (Dovo) that is in shaving condition and I've been using it every day for a little over a month. It still shaves fine but I think just because it was the razor I learned with it may be going dull a little quicker than if I were an experienced user.

That being said, I'm also hoping to learn to hone. I've done my research on hones and technique but I have a specific question that I need to ask although I'm sure it has been answered before.

Since the razor is in great condition and still has a keen edge, can I simply use a very high grit stone (10-12K) to get the edge back once it begins to "dull" or will I need to do some sort of stone progression. I ask this because mainly when I look at honing it is related to some sort of restore and not always applied to a blade in workable condition.

Of course if I were restoring something I would likely need multiple stones but looking to get started, and using a new blade, would it be sufficient to get a nice natural stone or a 12K naniwa, shapton, etc.? (I know it is also a point of preference but I used these stones just as an example)

In answer to your question..yes..you can use the higher grit stone to refresh your allready shavable edge. But there will come a time that you'll need to go further because that refreshing just wont cut it anymore. This is just my opinion, but a coti is a great option, if given the time it can be used as a one and only stone..I've used mine as such and it worked very well..I just use my other hones to play with and experiment

+1. I do really enjoy my coti.

If cost is a major concern, you can check the classifieds for a Barber Hone. They're great for a quick touch up here and there, but again, as Catrent mentioned, there will be a time when you'll need to delve deeper and remove more steel.

I began with a Norton 4/8k combo, which I found to be a good option for sharpening, as well as polishing on the 8 side.

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

In answer to your question..yes..you can use the higher grit stone to refresh your allready shavable edge. But there will come a time that you'll need to go further because that refreshing just wont cut it anymore.

With all due respect , I must disagree with this statement . As long as you touch up your edge when it's needed , and don't wait until the shave it's giving you is terrible . You only need a high grit finishing hone , in the 8k-16k range .

You can also purchase a cheap straight on the classifieds here to practice your honing skills before you attempt to hone your primary shaver. If you make a mistake on the cheapie you won't feel too badly if it doesn't go right. In my opinion.

Thank you all for the advice!

I think for now I just want to get a stone to refinish my razor, I'll eventually get around to buying lower grits but as for now it isn't that important.

Thankfully, I do have a couple old ebay razors on which to practice so I won't ruin my new Dovo. Maybe if I practice enough they'll be shave ready too

Just get a barber hone. They're cheap and they'll keep you a long long time before you have to send the razor out.

Originally Posted by dave5225

With all due respect , I must disagree with this statement . As long as you touch up your edge when it's needed , and don't wait until the shave it's giving you is terrible . You only need a high grit finishing hone , in the 8k-16k range .

+1 ...Most high grit finishers are very fast cutters & perfectly capable of maintaining your razor a loooong time.

I was thinking of a Naniwa 12k or Shapton (12 or 16)K to start.

Are these fast cutters that can keep me going? I get the idea that they're top of the line as far as new stones go.

There's also a good deal on SRD that has a naniwa 5, 8, and 12K but that's a bit above what I wanted to spend, even though it comes with more stones.

Either 12 or 16 would do it, personally the Shapton sweet 16.