Thread: not rocket science

I found it very confusing to read about, but once you dive in and start doing it yourself you'll be going "oh, THATS what they were talking about"

It's definitely not rocket science but there is a learning curve.

It's like any other skill, you've just got to get stuck in. If you wanna learn guitar, get a guitar and start playing.

If you want to hone, get some stones and a razor and get going...!

Amazon sells the 220/1k and 4/8 norton stones, plus a lapping plate for about $120. Thatll set you up for anything you need to do. You could add a finishing stone or paste if you want to, but that'll literally do you for anything as is.

Originally Posted by terryearp

Wondering why some "honemister's" talk about sharpening a staight razor to perfection like you need a phd degree?
when your razor starts to pull and tug...just touch up on a 12k or better hone and your back in buisness...jeeze!!!

Ironically , a simpler process called "stropping" seems to be an even bigger challenge to new users. It's not rocket science but it's more like throwing a rock accurately. You do get better at it the more you do it right.

Simple is what simple does

http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...tml#post791297

Honing a normal production razor is not a big deal. They come nearly shaveready, and with a pasted strop or a touchup hone you can keep them sharp near indefinitely. There is a bit of learning involved, mostly regarding making even movements and being gentle. Anyone can learn it. As long as the bevels stay intact, that is fairly simple.

Honing a dull razor or a razor with a nicked edge, that is more work, and takes some more practise. Then there are frowned blades that need a new edge, warped blades, similing blades, wedges with uneven bevels, and various types of steel that can be prone to chipping, or just take a godawful long time to get a bevel on.

Anyone can learn. It's just a matter of spending the time.
But just saying: hey, I can touch up a razor in good condition on a simple finishing hone, so why are all you so called experts pretending honing is difficult... is not really a fair statement imo. That's like saying anyone can drive a nail in a piece of wood, so why are carpenters pretending that making a cabinet is difficult.

Originally Posted by jcsixx

I can't even express how much I've learned on this forum from the people here. Going back over posts/threads of mine...it is apparent how much I've learned. I've never encountered a community that is as supportive and helpful as this place. I gotta say that I learn at least one new thing here everyday.

+1. Yes, it sometimes seems like voodoo. And sometimes the blades just WANT to take a great edge. I guess I'll remain numbered with those grateful for the help. That doesn't put down those struggling (I still am), but the solution is to learn, rather than critique. I've had my frustrations and expect many more. I also LOVE my edges. Some others like them too. R & D, experimentation means trying the untried. Sometimes it seems really strange. That's not unique to honing or razors. I won't belabor it with examples.

OP: if your edges are pleasing for you and you don't care to join the fray further - that's understandable. I have areas of interest where I put the limit on how far afield I wanted to go. Right now, the price of good rocks has me halted on buying naturals. They're great, but not worth it to me. 'Have a couple. That's enough for now. I will likely explore some synthetics to be used solo or in combination with my existing naturals and call it good.

Yeah, rocket science it ain't for sure. I got a razor, some hones, made them wet, then rubbed the razor on the hones till it was shaving good and that's all

Now go and do likewise! You can be rich too!