Thread: Off to the right start?

Hello,
My first post, however I have spent hours reading and watching and gaining respect and enthusiam daily. I am knife sharpener, the only advantage that I have from that passion is a nice collection of water stones and strops so I believe I have the gear to kick things off at least. I even have a straight razor to hone.

I just have one statement/question. After watching Lynn's video last night, several times, I found that the circular method of honing is something I would like to start and finish with.

Is it ok for me to use the circular method solely to hone my razor or do I need to combine that method with another. I would like to focus on that one technique and get the point where I can successfully shave using that one method. I realize that I need to progress in stones and strop of course. I also need to study and practice more on the actual process of preparing to shave and shave with a straight razor that I have honed. I have a long journey ahead of me. I have also had some extremely useful advice from a friend in Belgium on the matter and without that I would not be here in the first place.

Aplogies for rambling, I just would like to know if the circular method of honing will take my razor to the point I need it to be, assuming it is done correctly on the right hones?

Respectfully
Peter

Hi Peter, and welcome to the adventure.

I confess I always get a sense of 'uh-oh' when someone good w/ knives assumes alot of transferability to razors. Principles are, indeed the same. Techniques are radically different. Of course, the transition can be made, and will, over time. To start with, I would suggest getting the first blade done by someone who uses one daily. You mention having a straight razor. That's good - sort of. It may be - or more likely - can be made into a good shaver. I suspect there are a bunch of knife guys here, now, that can weigh in on their thoughts about learning the shave. It usually takes a better edge to learn with than an experienced user requires. A knife edge is good if it is sharp. A razor edge that is only sharp is carnage in the making. Some time from now, all those knife skills will likely come into play and be helpful. 'Wish I could do w/ a knife what I do w/ a razor. I suspect you've forgotten more on the topic than I'll ever know.

Perhaps a photo that shows the edge and spine of your razor would be helpful.

Hi and thank you very much for the reply pinklather. I promise you that I do not assume to be an educated razor honer because I can sharpen knives and have a lot off nifty items to help me along that path. I am as much a newbie as the next eager student and I've not elevated myself any higher than newbie due to my love for sharpening knives.

You have hit the nail on the head when you suggest to get the first blade done by someone. At this stage, I have nothing to use as a benchmark except for the razor I have at home. I will work on it a little more and post a picture of the spine and edge and hope for some more great feedback. Thanks again for the response.

Circle strokes are fine for building bevels and edges but should be followed toward the end of each stone in the progression with X strokes. That is because half of each circle stroke is essentially "back-honing".

In general I have learned to use circles on the bevel setting, the 4k, and go to x strokes at the 8k and above. I always follow the circles with some x strokes before going up the grit level. Not sure if that is necessary but it is what I do.

My particular setup is 1k "IF" the bevel NEEDS to be set ..... this is not always the case. If not I go directly to 4k. If you want to read some on x strokes, pyramid honing, rolling x strokes and so on , go to the SRP library , in the toolbar above, and you'll find a section of tutorials on these topics. Enjoy your shave !

I have been visiting the SRP library, thanks for that, I'll go back in now and spend some more time on the subject. However my question has be answered, I can see now that using circles is a good start but not the whole solution and it make sense what Ace said about "back-honing"

Welcome Peter!

I'd recommend having the razor honed by a pro as it's really an inexpensive way to have a solid base to get started on.

Learning to hone before you learn to shave and shave well is only going to cause you disappointment and unnecessary frustration. Ask pinklather why the lather was pink!

With that said, the more you learn the better off you'll be when it is time to start honing. I find honing very rewarding.

Here's a link to some more honing tips.

Welcome and enjoy the ride!

gssixgun Honing on a Norton 4-8 - YouTube