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

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.

I would target more in the 8k- 10k range more of a polisher rather than a finisher.... IME you can do way more with it, given Time, Experience, and a way to make a slurry I can sharpen quite a range of edges on a 8k (range) stone/hone of any kind...

We have this trend here to think that unless you are above 8k the shave isn't smooth,and that if you want only one stone it has to be a Coticule,and both just are not true...