Thread: "secret" honing method

Originally Posted by ccase39

I have a hard time leaving a rating based on shave readiness simply because that term is suggestive. Unless its just straight up dull I won't leave bad feedback.

I agree, but would suggest that if someone is forthcoming with their methods, I would feel better inclined to critique (personally and privately) their results relative to the methods used.

If I ever test shaved with a "secret" hone blade (and I doubt I ever would...unless it was a trusted friend that has previously demonstrated his/her craft and hopes to get an unbiased review of a new method they are attempting), it better be pretty amazing otherwise I would have to roll my eyes a bit as to why the secrecy behind a lackluster result.

Simply put, a master can get away with cagey behavior....the rest of us would only raise suspicion and high scrutiny with such antics. Oddly enough, those that have truly mastered honing seem (for the most part) to be quite forthcoming with their methods in my experience

Originally Posted by unit

Oddly enough, those that have truly mastered honing seem to be quite forthcoming with their methods in my experience

Thats is for sure one of the greatest thing about SRP is the willingness to share methods etc, myself been part of a few woodworking forums and your pretty much on your own.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Thats is for sure one of the greatest thing about SRP is the willingness to share methods etc, myself been part of a few woodworking forums and your pretty much on your own.

I think it goes with most anything someone is an expert on. If you are an expert you have nothing to lose by sharing your "secret" if you are that much of an expert and are that talented, telling someone how you do it does not mean they will be able to reproduce the same results anyway. Im a chef and restaurant owner and people ask me for my recipes all the time and I gladly write them down and tell them how to do it and encourage them to call with questions. Most chefs I know who have "secret" recipes are using pre made stuff from sysco and can't cook their way out of a paper bag. Same thing applies here. when you have mastered a certain skill the next thing to do for satisfaction is to share it with the rest of the world.

I think it would be better if "breadknifing" was made a secret technique.

When I give shaving seminars at the local barber college 1-2x/year, I not only tell them what I usually use, but bring the stones in & do a demo so they can watch me hone a razor. I figure I have nothing to hide & sharing knowledge is a good thing... Secret indeed!