Thread: What do I need to get started honing

Ok now that I have a few SR's I figure I should get some hones and start learning...

However the more I read the more confused I get, I figure I can do most of what I need with a 4k/8k stone...but then I need lapping stones? Stones to rub on them to make a slurry?


Kind of getting tight on funds but want to practice learning this skill....what do I need at an absolute min?

(I'm sure this has been discussed to death already but there is just so much info it's hard to pick the gems out)


Thanks in advance!

This is what I started with and is still my regiment; not the cheapest, though; just shop the prices:
Norton 220/1000, Norton 4000/8000, Shapton 16000 & a 3 inch strop & DMT 325 for lapping.

At bare minimum, all you need is a barber hone or 10k+ stone. This will keep an already shave ready razor shaving pretty much for a lifetime barring an accident with the blade.

DMT 325 for lapping and a Naniwa 3/8k or Norton 4/8k I'd personally call absolute minimum.

I forgot the DMT 325; going to "Edit"

There are many options and you're likely to get more responses to the several this thread has already attracted.

I think it's important to appreciate there is a difference between maintenance of razors which are already shave-ready and honing. Honing may be sharpening a factory razor or correcting a bevel of a razor you have perhaps dropped or damaged similarly. Then there restoration which is required on badly damaged razors such as those with visible chips. This would come prior to honing. Once you have distinguished what it is you wish to achieve, then we can advise accordingly.

Both the 4/8 Norton and 3/8 Naniwa can do everything you'll ever need to do with the addition of a lapping plate. They can even bevel set, albeit it not as efficiently as a coarser 1k. Both excellent options.

Barber hones can maintain a shave-ready razor, some say indefinitely. They can not do anything else. They are almost alien to me, having owned one for a short period and never enjoying using it for its odd feedback and rather irritable edges. It was a Hibbard Spencer Bartlett and Co.

There is the option to use naturals, such as a coticule or vintage Thuringian. These are my preferences if all you wish to do is maintain a few shave-ready razors. Some will argue they are an expensive option, but a vintage Thuringian can be had from time to time for circa 100 dollars here in the classifieds. It is my favourite finisher and what I use predominantly to maintain my razors.

Perhaps this is the best route, then later should you wish to sharpen and restore you can add at 4/8.

If money is an issue, you can flatten a stone with 300-grit wet-or-dry sandpaper and a marble or granite tile. Pu the sandpaper on the tile, and rub the stone on the sandpaper under running water.

There's no need for slurry on the Norton stones.

Honinng doesn't _have to be_ complicated, or expensive.

Charles

I started with a king 1k a Belgian blue and a Chinese 12k stone. Cheap choices, and work great. for slurry stone, I think a C12k piece will be enough although I haven't tried it on the king stone I have. The BBW and C12k need lapping once a year (and usually before you use them for the first time), so a couple of sheets sandpaper is more than enough. This combo requires some experience, so keep that in mind if you choose it. The absolute minimum for a new razor would be a C12k, a piece of balsa wood and some CrOx. All together will cost less than 40$

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)

Which pastes come in the kit?

But basically, i am going to assume green chromium oxide is one of them, you use a stropping motion with a light touch. I would do 5 strokes, test. Needs more, another 5 strokes. If 15 strokes does not do the needful, you probably need to go a bit coarser.

FYI. I only play a honemeister on TV. This is just like my opinion man.

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)