Thread: Advice for honing beginners from a beginner

I wanted to give a few tips while I go through the process of learning so when beginners start honing they may experience something I have that they miss in a video or post. I started honing on the Norton 4k/8k. Everyone said its a good stone and I agree (I now have other hones to compare it too) A 4k/8k is really all you need. I bought a norton 220/1k just for s and giggles but only use it when a blade is really bad. So the Norton 4/8 is a great place to start and you can set a bevel on it. To practice I set a limit in dollars that I wanted to spend on razors on ebay and did not go over that limit, in my case it was 20 bucks (I have gotten some great shavers this way). You have to know what to look for, no rust on edge, no frown, little wear on spine to name just a few things. I got about 10 of these razors in all for the sole purpose of learning to hone. I then watched videos. I mean a lot of videos, more than once. For me it takes a while for something to sink in. Gssixgun and Lynn have some great vids out there. Watching them all several times will give you an idea of the many different ways to achieve a sharp edge and you will discover what works for you. I think the most important thing I may have done was after watching the video several times I found one I lilted and watched the videos AS I honed. I would follow it step by step pausing at each different stroke, stone, etc.

I just assumed I would have to set a bevel on every razor and I found out this is not the case. I do the tests and if they are sharp but not quite there I will start with the highest grit stone and work down until I find what I am looking for. For instance if I get a razor that will shave arm hair but only with pressure I will start at 8k and see what kind of an edge I can get from there. I might have to wind up dropping down to a 4k but this is just something you figure out. You can watch all the videos you want but to get it right you just have to practice and do it over and over. This is something you get a feel for. You feel the weight of the blade on the stone, how its pushed, how much pressure to apply, and when the edge gets smooth. The more you do it the better you get. Like anything else muscle memory will wind up having a lot to do with it and it just takes a while. Anyway, remember that I am a beginner, but can get a very sharp shave ready edge and still have a lot to learn but I thought I would share what I have gone through so far and hopefully it will help someone. And remember those videos!!!!!

'Feel like a cross between rain on a parade and a fart in church. 'Not a good feeling. My natural stance is to encourage & this doesn't seem encouraging - but it does save alot of heartburn & frustration. The fleabay/antique store buys are sorta like a foot shot for learning the stones. They inject alot of variable that make it hard to get to that tactile sense of "this is what its supposed to feel like'. Sorta like the new str8 shaver - asking about these kinds of blades - the shaver learning the stones - needs a "stone-ready" blade. One that doesn't need restorative grinding to get the spine and edge running parallel. Preferably a straight bevel - no smile, and a full hollow - so it responds without taking forever. These are sometimes VERY reasonable. A blade that's not a prom queen, but is mechanically sound - can be honed, dulled, re-honed - until a "normal feel" for the process takes hold. After that - venture into the other blades - whether that's the smileing blade, the wedge, etc. You spend less time chasing false readings from the edges and keep the stone time productive.

Now you've posted on getting the joy w/ another blade - so its entirely possible you're already branching into the restoration-class blades. If so - sincere best wishes. This part about beginning honing is as much for the others that will be reading and trying to follow as much as for your own case.

'Hope to hear multiple threads on the success w/ these blades. If I can be helpful, let me know.