Thread: Geo Wostenholm Wedge honing suggestion need???

So, I recently won this razor on e-bay.
The razor is on its way but before arrival I want to hear some advices.
The razor has unusual spine so I need advices how to hone it.
The link is down because I do not have photos yet so please look at original listing photos.
Thanks.

Geo. Wostenholm & Son's Celebrated I-XL Straight Razor - eBay (item 110699135683 end time Jun-11-11 12:22:30 PDT)

I had a Wosty like that and the spine work did not affect how the razor sat on the hone. I don't think it will be a problem on yours either.

I have a Rodgers with similar spine work, and on that it does affect how the razor sits. I use a heal leading stroke (heal leads by a fair bit) so that the wider part of the spine (near the heal) stays on the hone at all times, and that has worked for me.

OK...I will be more clever when razor arrive (in worst scenario I have to do heel leading strokes).

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I use a heal leading stroke (heal leads by a fair bit) so that the wider part of the spine (near the heal) stays on the hone at all times, and that has worked for me.

Btw. can you explain little bit more "heal leading stroke" because I am not sure I understand well what you want to say.
My honing strokes (X-stroke, rolling....) are always heal leading so I do not understand point of your "heal leading".
I can imagine just swoping stroke wher the heal is always on the stone.

Originally Posted by KING2011

Btw. can you explain little bit more "heal leading stroke" because I am not sure I understand well what you want to say.
My honing strokes (X-stroke, rolling....) are always heal leading so I do not understand point of your "heal leading".
I can imagine just swoping stroke wher the heal is always on the stone.

I think what Holli is suggesting here is a stroke that sort of "swoops" like you suggested -- but instead of presenting the blade at 90 deg across the hone, the heel of the razor starts at something more like 45 deg -- point the tip of the razor at the far corner of the hone. The heel won't be in constant contact, it will just be emphasized at the beginning of the stroke.

Most basic advice on this -- magic marker test.

I think if you re-read Holli's post that is exactly what he means. "I use a heal leading stroke (heal leads by a fair bit) so that the wider part of the spine (near the heal) stays on the hone at all times, and that has worked for me."

Originally Posted by stimpy52

I think what Holli is suggesting here is a stroke that sort of "swoops" like you suggested -- but instead of presenting the blade at 90 deg across the hone, the heel of the razor starts at something more like 45 deg -- point the tip of the razor at the far corner of the hone. The heel won't be in constant contact, it will just be emphasized at the beginning of the stroke.

Most basic advice on this -- magic marker test.