Thread: First honing success

I had been having trouble getting my razors shave ready. They were always leaving my face raw and sore. I have been following Lynn's 4k/8K method and then finishing on a Chinese 12K finishing stone. I seem to lose something between the 8k and the 12K
Last night I re-honed the razor using the 4K/8K and then, rather than using the 12K, I stropped the blade 35 passes on a balsa paddle loaded with chromium oxide.
I then stropped it on a leather strop 200 passes.
When I shaved with it this morning, I got a close, buttery smooth shave with no skin irritation. It actually was one of the better shaves I have experienced. The razor itself is no prize. Simmons Hardware Keen Kutter 6/8, but it sure is shaving nice.
Is this result a fluke or is it likely to work on my better razors?

John

Congratulations you found something that works for you . I am learning myself and the most important thing I have learned so far is what works for me is what works. You can watch 1,000 different ways to do the same thing but with all the variables none of them may work for you. As for fluke , you won't know until you try to repeat it. You may go through this every time you hone until you find a process or pattern that you can use each time with the same success. I suspect that takes a lot of honing to accomplish. Just pay attention to all the little things you do and keep at it.

Hey, Jmac
Bravo for taking on the task of working your own edges. It will be very satisfying. It'll also make you a little nuts, but that's another story.
You wouldn't be the first to find the C12k/phig is not the easiest stone to get results from. Some of them can give joy - others not so much. I stopped at one, 'cause I didn't want to have to go through several to find one that satisfied. I figured I'd have the same money spent as a known good synthetic, such as a Nani 12k.
What you describe w/ the Crox & Balsa - should give an edge, though it might also be short lived. 35 is alot of strokes for something that cuts so fast. See how many shaves that edge lasts before breaking down.
Forgive my lack of knowledge, but I've not see your posts - if you have them about how the shave is coming off the 8k stone. Is it satisfying? Smooth? Sharp? This may sound like odd questions, but if you can't get a nice shave from this stone - the rest will prove irrelevant. Think of it as a 'gateway' test. It confirms the bevel is well set, and that your stone work up to this point is sound. If the shave isn't good here, put away every other stone, every other abrasive spray/paste/snot, and focus on the harder task of getting that stone work right. Think fo it as paying your dues. When your stone work is good - then the other process will have a much more positive effect. Pasted strops can't really make up for marginal stone work. They *CAN* improve most edges that DO have good stone work.
Having a few 'bench' or 'beater' blades whose spines and bevels are sound is very helpful. Ones that you can hone, test, dull, try additional techniques. Your nicer blades will thank you.
Another bravo: for posting your technique and asking questions here. With that Norton stone, you have gobs of very experienced help on tap. You're gonna get this licked. It will require some patience and determination - which is not always fun - but the payoff is really really sweet. 'Helps to keep your sense of humor at the ready, along w/ the Abrams dictum: 'have fun'. Keep going Jmac.

It feels so great when you have finally gotten through a wholle shave with a sharp razor that was honed by yourself. I remember the first time I got good results. I was like a 12 year old kid that found out he was going to Disney Land lol. congrats. hope your honing adventure gets better and better!!!!

Originally Posted by jmac123

Is this result a fluke or is it likely to work on my better razors?

John

Sounds like you're getting it! Once you get your stroke down & learn how to vary the pressure going from low to high grit, everything starts to fall into place. There's nothing more gratifying than shaving with a razor you honed yourself, so I wish you continued success!!

Thank you,
It feels like catching a nice fish on a hand tied fly.