Thread: Tip Toeing into Honing

Started straight shaving October 2010. I have four good razors and a good strop. Decided to start getting some honing equipment. I purchased a King Deluxe 1200/8000 stone and Ice Bear 4000 stone from Woodcrafters. Should I fit another stone between the 4000 and 8000 stones?

It sounds like you've already got the basics. If you get another stone, the next one should be a higher grit, like a Naniwa 12000 or look into some fine grit pastes to add a touch more sharpness after the 8000. Check the wiki.

I think you're ok. The 4k and 8K are the ones that you'll want for sharpening and polishing. A finisher of 10K or higher would be a good next purchase, but I'd delay that for a bit. Get to know these stones first, and then add another variable to your mix. Just my thoughts.

I used a 4,6 & 8k King in the past & found the 6k was superfluous . You should do just fine.

If you are starting out, make sure you work on evaluating blades a bit. Try to resist the temptation to do more with lower grits than you have to. Setting a bevel is important, but dropping all the way to 1K is not always necessary and creates more work for you. Whatever you do, never breadknife a blade. Get a 10X or 20X loupe and try to get an idea of what each blade really needs. Also, try to get familiar with the sharpness tests discussed in the Wiki. Good luck!

You probably know this because it has been covered ad nauseum (it's also slightly off point) but I'll say it anyway. In addition to the stones you will need a good system for initial and maintenence lapping of your stones. There are several good options for this ranging from inexpensive to very expensive, you just need to pick one.

Bill, thanks for the extra advise. JoeD and CarrieM have been my mentors. I may need to take another trip to their home (after asking of course) and get more tutoring in this area. I have watched him hone a blade (mine to be exact) and he is very, very good at it. I'm glad they have graciously agreed to help me when I need it.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

Bill, thanks for the extra advise. JoeD and CarrieM have been my mentors. I may need to take another trip to their home (after asking of course) and get more tutoring in this area. I have watched him hone a blade (mine to be exact) and he is very, very good at it. I'm glad they have graciously agreed to help me when I need it.

You're in great hands. Having some one on one time with experienced people like the Joed and CarrieM is the best way to learn this stuff.