Wish me luck, guys!

I'm a newbie just starting out with straights.

I have bought a strop, a cheapo razor and today my waterstones arrived.

I have a razor coming across the Pond from Joe, but in the meantime, I thought I would have a go at honing.

I've read all the tips and advice I can find, so its time I jumped in and have a go!

Here goes!

Luck... and a little patience. Have fun!

Good luck! Welcome to the 'club'!

Well, I dont think I've ruined the blade!

But its not shaving sharp, either:o

So, what would you recommend?
Start the pyramid all over again?

I have made some progress - I tried the thumb nail test. If it was one of my knives, I would be fairly happy with the result, but it's just not sharp enough for shaving!

Not easy is it!

Hi Frank. Did you lap the hones before using them? Even new hones need to be lapped (made totally flat) before using them.

Also, have you got a copy of Lynn's DVD? I used this when I was learning to hone and it was very helpful.

Dude! Two hours between posts does not a patient man make! :roflmao

A little more honing, lap it too. Practice!

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Originally Posted by Iwan

Hi Frank. Did you lap the hones before using them? Even new hones need to be lapped (made totally flat) before using them.

Also, have you got a copy of Lynn's DVD? I used this when I was learning to hone and it was very helpful.

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Iwan, I briefly lapped the stones, but perhaps it needs a bit more just to be sure! I havent got a copy of Lynns DVD, though I have watched his download.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AFDAVIS11

Dude! Two hours between posts does not a patient man make!

A little more honing, lap it too. Practice!

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Hey, you're right! "Lord, give me patience, but give it to me now!" I am really looking forward to my first 'Straight' shave!:D

Tell us about the razor and the hone you are using.
New razor or ebay/antique, what maker and model, what condition and size, what hone and the grit sizes?

Let us know,:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

Tell us about the razor and the hone you are using.
New razor or ebay/antique, what maker and model, what condition and size, what hone and the grit sizes?

Let us know,:)

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Razor is a non-descript No name cheapo, bought from a Barbers wholesalers.

The stones are Japanese Waterstones, came in a set of three - 1000, 4000, 8000 grits.

I spent a while re-lapping the stones last night, and that has made me realise that they were'nt truely flat in the first place! Going to have another go later today, but I have ordered Lynn's DVD, so that should help :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Effigy

Razor is a non-descript No name cheapo, bought from a Barbers wholesalers.

The stones are Japanese Waterstones, came in a set of three - 1000, 4000, 8000 grits.

I spent a while re-lapping the stones last night, and that has made me realise that they were'nt truely flat in the first place! Going to have another go later today, but I have ordered Lynn's DVD, so that should help :)

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No-name non-descript cheapo?
Well.....you probably have a razor that will never give you a good shave. We refer to them as Pakistani razors. They are made from cheap steel, poorly ground, large grain size and will not hold an edge. They are very good honing practice razors if the grind is ok and there is no warping of the edge.

You have the proper grit range on the hones. Just be sure to use a slurry on the hones. It makes all the difference in the world. You do have a nagura stone right? To work up a slurry?

Good razors needn't be very expensive. New Dovo's start from about 50-60 euros, if lucky you can get a cheap vintage one on e-bay.

BTW, I have lived in Ross-on-Wye and Walsall for 3,5 years and visited the Malverns a couple of times.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kees

Good razors needn't be very expensive. New Dovo's start from about 50-60 euros, if lucky you can get a cheap vintage one on e-bay.

BTW, I have lived in Ross-on-Wye and Walsall for 3,5 years and visited the Malverns a couple of times.

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Well, its a small world! I was born in Walsall but got out as soon as I could! Malverns are much better!

I stuck at it all weekend, and by Sunday night I had a blade that would just about cut butter (provided it had been placed in the oven first).

I have definatly improved the edge, but no where near enough to even consider shaving with.

I think I am going to abandon this one, and get a cheap one off ebay that at least has a Makers name on it!

In the meantime, I'm waiting for the one from Joe to arrive, but already I'm dreading the thought of re-honing it a few months down the road!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Effigy

Well, its a small world! I was born in Walsall but got out as soon as I could! Malverns are much better!

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I fully agree! I worked and lived at the Manor hospital as a junior doctor for 2 years. Had a great time!

If you need a cheap beginners blade let me know. I have a bunch. They're not honed YET. So you can have one and practise honing on it yourself or I'll do it for you and you can simply try it yourself when the blade dulls a little.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

If you need a cheap beginners blade let me know. I have a bunch. They're not honed YET. So you can have one and practise honing on it yourself or I'll do it for you and you can simply try it yourself when the blade dulls a little.

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Thanks for the offer - I'd like to take you up on that.
Please pm your details and details of the blades and I'll PP the funds.:)

I'm getting a little nervous that once I have a sharp razor, I wont be able to keep it sharp:eek:
Practice will be good!

pm sent, we'll be in touch