Thread: Need some advice on first time honing

Hey guys, I'm new to the board but I've had a SR for a couple years now. I used it plenty when I first bought it, but even after having it pre honed by the place I bought it from, it still kind of pulled, especially on the mustache area. I never owned a hone or knew much about it, so I just used my strop to try and keep it as sharp as possible. Which didn't last too long since I was new to the whole process. I haven't used in much in a long time, because it's no longer shave sharp. So I'm wondering what kind of stone you guys think I should use to get this thing back into shave shape. If it makes any difference I use a Dovo hollow ground. Also any links to some video's where I can learn some really good technique on honing?

Not sure how dull the edge is but if you can still shave with it maybe a barbers hone will do the job.

When i 1st got my razor i sent it away to be honed and ive maintained the edge with a strop and a barbers hone and not had any problems.

It can cut hair, but by no means can I shave my whole face with it, it just pulls too much. I'm just not familiar enough with how sharp a straight razor can really be to compare it :/

personally i would send it away to one of the guys here on SRP to have it honed then get a barbers hone and use a strop to keep that edge sharp (gssixgun has done a great video on Youtube about how to use a barbers hone and its helped me immensley).

I suggest this for a few reasons. 1. You know if you send it to a guy from SRP the honing will be 1st class. 2. If its good enough for barbers to maintain their edge why cant it be the same for us. 3. Im on a budget and this seems the cheapest option.

BUT there is another option. Invest in some good stones and have a go yourself. The only problems with these are its a big learning curve (from what ive been told) and the costs. It may be a good idea to get some of the ebay special razors to practice on.

Eventually i would love to own my own stones but money wont permit at the moment. Speaking from my own personal experience i have been able to maintain a good edge w8th a combination of the strop and the barbers hone and it hasnt cost me much at all.

Obviously there are far more experienced chaps on here who can give you some more advice. Let us know which avenue you go down and how your journey goes.

Originally Posted by Scottyxxx

Hey guys, I'm new to the board but I've had a SR for a couple years now. I used it plenty when I first bought it, but even after having it pre honed by the place I bought it from, it still kind of pulled, especially on the mustache area. I never owned a hone or knew much about it, so I just used my strop to try and keep it as sharp as possible. Which didn't last too long since I was new to the whole process. I haven't used in much in a long time, because it's no longer shave sharp. So I'm wondering what kind of stone you guys think I should use to get this thing back into shave shape. If it makes any difference I use a Dovo hollow ground. Also any links to some video's where I can learn some really good technique on honing?

The classic work horse hone is a Norton 4k/8k combination hone.
You will also see the Naniwa Super Stone 3k/8k hone that is its equal.

Reviewing your post you are past the point where a single 8k or 10k hone
will bring it back quickly A single grit Naniwa Superstone in the 10-12K range
might be all that you needed to maintain a good well honed razor.

If you have access to a woodcraft store I would recommend 5 micron film
or a 15/5/0.3 micron combo pack and something flat to mount it on. A combo
pack will reset the bevel and hone a couple razors. The 0.3 micron edge is
spooky sharp and might need to be calmed down with a good strop and a
light spray of sub micron bits.

Try the abrasive film while you shop and decide on a "rock".

Fist off thank both you guys for your help, my worry about using just a barbers hone right now is that it wont be enough, since I can't really judge it's sharpness, it's the only SR I've owned I have no basis for comparison. Sending it out to be honed might be a good cheap first step like you said.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

The classic work horse hone is a Norton 4k/8k combination hone.
You will also see the Naniwa Super Stone 3k/8k hone that is its equal.

Reviewing your post you are past the point where a single 8k or 10k hone
will bring it back quickly A single grit Naniwa Superstone in the 10-12K range
might be all that you needed to maintain a good well honed razor.

If you have access to a woodcraft store I would recommend 5 micron film
or a 15/5/0.3 micron combo pack and something flat to mount it on. A combo
pack will reset the bevel and hone a couple razors. The 0.3 micron edge is
spooky sharp and might need to be calmed down with a good strop and a
light spray of sub micron bits.

Try the abrasive film while you shop and decide on a "rock".

Based on what your saying I'm a little confused. So you think that using just a barbers hone will not be enough? That I should get a 4K/8K to start with?
I'm also really unfamiliar with using the films. I will go looking for them, but what exactly do I mount them to? And do I pass over them blade first like I would a hone? Or would I be stropping with them?