Thread: Touch Up Question

great job! it's always fund to read the details of the success stories

Originally Posted by KenL

Utopian, you've mentioned that I shouldn't drop down to the 4k unless I've damaged the edge. Is the alternative doing more strokes on the 8k? Or is it implied that if the 8k doesn't bring it back after 25 strokes, I have damaged the edge whether I realize it or not? Just trying to get some different perspectives.

If you are TOUCHING UP an edge, the blade should be only slightly dulled and should require minimal honing to bring it back. The lower grits, including the 4k, should be unnecessary for touch ups unless you have really, really delayed getting around to that touch up. In general, I wouldn't do more than 25 strokes on an 8k (I usually do 10 to 15, sometimes 20) but I hesitate to offer that as proof you need to drop to 4k. I guess I'll leave it that you should aim to touch up the blade with minimal steel removal, but in the end you need to gradually do whatever is needed to get it shaving right.

Thanks Gugi!

I'm about to spend some quality time with the chinese hone. We'll see if I can feel a difference in the morning.

Thanks for clarifying Utopian. Makes sense to me, as little as possible, but as much as necessary.

Thanks,

Ken

Originally Posted by KenL

Makes sense to me, as little as possible, but as much as necessary.

Ha! Yes, you get it!

Did many, many strokes on the Chinese hone last night, with slurry. Then did many, many more without slurry.

For some reason my stropping just didn't feel right afterward, I didn't feel like it was making good contact on the return stroke. Then I may have had a stropping break through. Ohhhhhh, flipping the razor/rolling it between my fingers, not turning your entire arm, makes sense now. Started getting much better contact and feel while stropping. Did a bunch of laps. Only time will tell if this maintains my razors better than before.

Anyway, great shave this morning. I'm having a hard time putting it into words, but it just seemed easier. Like the whiskers were only ghosts of their former selves, if that makes sense. Can't wait touch up my other razor when it needs it. Between the perceived stropping improvement and my first successful "touch-up" (it was really more than just a touch up), I'm a happy camper this morning.

A sincere thanks again for your help, encouragement, and advice!

Ken

well i would sugesst a barber hone, they are fast cutters and will bring your edge back in less than 8 strokes.

I've thought about a barber's hone. But, I already have the Chinese hone. I don't mind the extra strokes. It's relaxing for the most part, and it's not like I'm honing a lot of razors. However, I can feel the beginnings of HAD (Lately, I've caught myself thinking "I sure would be nice to have a 1k, you know, just in case…"), so I probably will get a barber's hone at some point.

Thanks for the suggestion,

Ken

Yes, barber hones are convenient, but the most convenient stone is whichever one you already have. Your Chinese hone, as long as it is a good or decent one, should work just fine.

yea so tru, use what you got for now but if by any chance you stumble apon a barber hone ( like i have at antique stores) than its a smart envesment.