Thread: Where do I start with honing?

I am brand new to the honing game and was wondering about a couple of things. Before I get started I want to let you know that I have a shave ready razor for comparison to an older razor that was given to me and that I will be using to practice honing.

First, I have seen several types of honing and polishing stones, which is the best for a beginner to use? I have heard great things about Norton stones but am not sure about the experience level required for their stones (I am still relatively new to this world of straight razor shaving).

Second, how many steps are there in the honing process? I've heard that you can achieve a successful honing with just the Norton 4k/8k stone and was just wondering if I am going to need more than just that.

It seems to me that most guys who hone either start by buying or end up with a bevel setter, something in the 4k range, something in the 8k range, and often/usually a finisher.

What you actually get will depend on what you want to do. If you want to be able to buy razors from ebay or antique shops, or really anywhere else where you're not sure of the initial state of the edge, you will save a lot of time by getting a bevel setter. Not to say you can't set a bevel on a higher grit hone; you can, but it will take longer.

If you want to be able to hone brand new razors, I'm not sure a bevel setter is really needed. Most new (or NOS) razors that I have honed didn't need anything under a 4k, if they even needed that. (Many NOS razors are shave ready, give or take finisher preference.)

If you just want to maintain razors (and don't anticipate dinging or rolling the edges), you may only need an 8k or a finisher. You can get a great shave off an 8k if you are using it properly, so I always say finisher is optional.

So, since I'm working with an older razor, a 4k, an 8k, and a finisher are what I'd need?

Need... that is a loaded word.

I would suggest a 1k, 4k, and 8k with a finisher being optional. Unless this is the only older razor you plan on honing... then the time on a 4k might be a cheaper investment than a 1k. Depending on how you value your time vs money...

What holli said. IM a beginner too. A lot of guys on here, myself included recommend the NOrton 4k/8k to start its two hones in one. Its a good hone that you can set a bevel on and finish. Once you get more into it you may want to get a 1k for bevel setting and a finisher but you don't really NEED it. The first razor I honed I got shave ready with the 4k/8k and then stropped with Cromium Oxide and then went through my regular stropping progression. I just started myself and finally got two razors where I want them. Its a blast to learn. Please take advantage of videos by gssixgun and Lynn. There videos are easy to follow and take you through the whole process. No way I could have ever learned without them. If you simply want to maintain a sharp edge on the razors you have maybe just invest in a paddle strop and some paste.

You can always set a bevel with some 1000 grit wet and dry wrapped around the Norton 4/8 if funds are tight...Make sure you wrap it so it's really tight...

Alright, I think I'm headed in the right direction and have a pretty decent idea of where I'm going with this.

Thanks to all. You have been a great help