Thread: What do I need to get started honing

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Thanks guys
For now I just want to maintain an already shave ready razor, I have one that came shave ready and one I bought brand new that I will soon send to lynn to be made shave ready (I figure it's worth 20 bucks to have the master sharpen it the first time )

I have the balsa with the pastes (Came with the whipped dog kit) still unsure of how/when to use it tho,

So unless I'm misreading this:

For maintenance all I need is a 12k or barbers stone but I COULD do it with the 4k/8k? If the 4k/8k could do the maintenance of an already shave ready razor and it can also do more then it sounds like it would be the way to go? (that way I can get into more as I get more addicted to this LOL)

To just maintain the edges of your razors you really just need the CrOx on balsa, newspaper, cloth strop, leather strop or the likes. Run the blade over the CrOx like you were stropping it (spine leading) but slowly a few times when the razor starts to tug a little. A few years ago when I started into straight razor shaving the 4/8k Norton hones were the recommended. Since then the finishing hones were much finer, 10k of finer than that. If you just want to maintain your blades the CrOx will do but you can add the 4/8k hone. For touch ups don't go below the 8k and finish on the CrOx. If it still tugs go to the 4k and work your way back up to the 8k and then the CrOx. Most people providing professional honing use much finer hones that 8k to finish with and then may hit some type of paste/spray like CrOx of diamond. Your edges may not be as smooth if you end on the 8k. A good barber's hone is also a good choice to replace the 4/8k hone for maintenance and you can still use the CrOx as a final touch. Good luck.

the kit came with Red and Green paste on balsa and a leather strop.

Before I shave I usually do 20 passes (Spine leading) with the leather strop, then I shave and then do another 20 after shaving. The razor I actually use is starting to tug a bit I think (I'm still new at this so it MAY be me and not the razor) would it hurt to do a balsa pass then re-strop if it's not the razor and it's just me?

I would do 5 light strokes on the pasted balsa(remember stropping motion). Then go to your unpasted leather strop. I think 20 may be on the low side. See if you can manage 40-60. Do not worry about blazing speed, that will come in time.

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

the kit came with Red and Green paste on balsa and a leather strop.

Before I shave I usually do 20 passes (Spine leading) with the leather strop, then I shave and then do another 20 after shaving. The razor I actually use is starting to tug a bit I think (I'm still new at this so it MAY be me and not the razor) would it hurt to do a balsa pass then re-strop if it's not the razor and it's just me?

Ok I'll try that....should I use the red or the green side?

Is this the poor mans strop kit?
0.1 micron iron oxide, powder, tablespoonful
0.3 micron chromium oxide, powder, tablespoonful

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Ok I'll try that....should I use the red or the green side?

Yes it's the poor mans strop kit I assume I want the .3 for touching up?

Ok so I ordered the following:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

I figure that with the balsa should be enough to touch up my existing razor, as well as hone a razor I'm restoring Is the SIC stone ok for lapping or should I get the DMT 325 anyway?

Thanks

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Ok so I ordered the following:

Amazon.com: Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone: Industrial & Scientific

I figure that with the balsa should be enough to touch up my existing razor, as well as hone a razor I'm restoring Is the SIC stone ok for lapping or should I get the DMT 325 anyway?

Thanks

The Norton lapping stone needs lapping... Get a DMT 325 for sure! It's a must have for any honer.

You will need to occasionally lap the lapping stone.

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Ok so I ordered the following:

Amazon.com: Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone: Industrial & Scientific

I figure that with the balsa should be enough to touch up my existing razor, as well as hone a razor I'm restoring Is the SIC stone ok for lapping or should I get the DMT 325 anyway?

Thanks

The Norton lapping plate will work just fine as long as you soak it and lap it with some 400 grit wet/dry paper before taking the stones to it. The lapping plates are a waterstone themselves and usually need a lapping before use.