Thread: Finding a SR to practice honing on.

I'm not sure if this belongs under the razor or honing heading. I am looking to pick up some stones sometime soon and was thinking about what I should hone first. I thought it wouldn't be wise to practice honing on the razor I'm currently using. So the next thought is what should I get to practice on? Should I get some good quality razor that has seen better days or should I get some cheap new junk to fiddle with? I think the cheap junk would be more cost effective, but than I'd still have junk once I've honed it. The other question about the cheap stuff is whether or not the blade will give me different feedback than a Solingen or Sheffield steel blade. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Personally, I would learn how to shave and strop first. But if you are dead set on honing grab some cheap ones at your local antique store or ebay. Dont spend more than a few dollars tho.

I just realized this was filed under hones, not honing. If there is a way to move this to the proper page let me know.

I've already been straight shaving for a month. In general, I would say I'm about average for how long I've been at it. I have a free sharpening from Lynn coming my way. My thinking that once I've practiced on a lesser blade, I could try it on the one I will be using most. I've I screw it up, I can always send it to Lynn for my freebee.

The way I went about it was with vintage blades in excellent of better condition. Picked some off of the bay and others locally. Whatever you do don't get any that are on the 'razors to avoid' list in the SRP library. Vintage razors should be full bladed, no cracks in the blade or scales. Micro chips won't be seen until you get them and that is part of the trip with used blades a lot of the time.

Many old Sheffield, Solingen and some USA blades that aren't 'hot' collectors items sell at reasonable prices. Just remember that condition is important. A razor with a lot of uneven hone wear is more trouble than it is worth even if you get it for nothing. IMHO.

Originally Posted by Mhouff

. . . Should I get some good quality razor that has seen better days or should I get some cheap new junk to fiddle with? I think the cheap junk would be more cost effective, but than I'd still have junk once I've honed it. . .

The problem is worse than you think:

. . . The "cheap new junk" may not take a decent edge _ever_ !!!

So your honing technique may be perfect, and your results will be awful. And you'll be asking:

. . . Is it me, or the razor?

It's much better to start with a vintage blade. Most of them (Sheffield / Solingen / US) were made of good steel, decently ground, properly tempered. If you can hone a vintage blade, you can hone anything. And if you can't -- practice, practice, practice.

charles

My counsel would be to SLOW DOWN and forget about honing for several months!!

Ask pinklather! Why do you think he gave himself that name!!! Trying to learn to shave with a straight and shave well along with learning to strop and strop well is a HUGE learning curve!! Trying to learn to hone while trying to master shaving and stropping will only cause you problems!!!

Leave the honing for down the road!!

Enjoy the ride and take your time! You will be rewarded 10 times over if you do! If you lack patients, then you’ve entered the wrong art as everything about using, maintaining, honing a straight razor takes time and patience!!

All will come to those who wait!!