Honing 101 Questions

As I am getting set to making my first purchase ever in the world of straight razor shaving, I definitely plan on having my very first razor honed by a honemeister (Tony or Lynn). After receiving all my equipment including the pre-honed straight, I will eventually need to sharpen the blade as time goes on.

1. Is it recommended to use a paddle strop with an abrasive to keep it sharp, or should the blade simply get honed each time the blade dulls?

2. I would love to learn how to hone and do my own rather than having to always send my razors out to be done by a honemeister - is this too ambitious of me, or is this reasonable to accomplish?

3. Should I purchase a hone with all my other equipment when I make my first purchase? If so, it seems like everyone recommends a Norton 4k/8k - is that right?

4. I know there are several factors, but on average, how often should honing be done - some places I have seen 2 to 4 times a year, other websites mention doing it approximately once a month.

5. What are the chances of ruining my brand new razor due to honing as I learn? Should I pickup an inexpensive razor on Ebay to practice with first?

Good plan.

1) Either works well.

2) You can do it!

3) That's the best tool for the job. If your razor is arriving ready to go then you could get away with a couple of weeks without the stone. Include a two sided paddle with 3µ and 1µ paste (or whatever) and you can go even longer.

4) 2 or three times a year if you've got a four sided pasted paddle. Once a month if, like me, you're relying primarily on stones.

5) Very good so yes, pick up a few eBay specials to learn on.

X

Xman, that was very succintly put.

Vern

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vern

Xman, that was very succintly put.

Vern

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I have my days. :D

X

So let me get this right. You have doubts that you can do something that tens or millions of other men have done throughout history?
Of course you can. If you take that kind of attitude you will be whipped by the straight before you begin.

The only thing I would add to X's answers would be the period between honing depends on the blade, your beard and how often you use it. You'll know when it needs honing. It will talk to you and when it does you'll get the message.

It's not that I think I couldn't get the hand of honing - it's more that for now I was only planning on purchasing a starter kit from Tony with a DOVO 5/8 "classic black" and have that as my only razor for now (due to my student budget), and am concerned that as I learn I would ruin the blade.

"Ruin" is such a harsh word. It's highly likely you'll wreck the edge, but pretty unlikely you'll ruin the entire blade. But the first time you need to hone the edge it may take awhile to get it back into shaving shape (days, maybe a week or more depending), which will be frustrating. Having an ebay razor to practice on while your daily shaver remains pristine will give you a big leg up, and with any luck by the time your daily shaver needs honing your ebay junker can take over shaving duties for a few days.

If you're on such a tight budget - PM me your address and I'll send you something to practice honing. Not a nice razor or anything but it will do just great for practice. You can start before your razor from Tony gets dull so that you're prepared when it does

Cheers
Ivo

If you can't afford it, don't bother with the Norton for the time being. Using a pasted paddle will keep your blade keen for a while.