Thread: Hello from Minnesota

Welcome to SRP MNWetShaver. Even though you have knife sharpening skills I would caution you to not, at this time, try honing your straight razors. It is as different as apples and oranges. Concentrate on getting good straight razor shaves first, get to know fellow shavers near you and find a Mentor or Senior Member with several years experience to show you how different honing a razor is from sharpening a knife or tool.

Here are two SRP members that are willing to show you what you need to know about razors and honing.

HNSB (Brainerd, St. Cloud, etc...)
randydance062449 (Minneapolis / St. Paul)

Additionally there are videos by gssixgun and Lynn on honing that are the 'bible' of honing. As well, the Library has excellent material on all aspects of this craft/art/hobby. And above all, ask questions (there are no dumb questions if you are seeking a realistic answer), the membership will be happy to share their expertise with you.

Thanks for the input Razorfeld!! I think I've watched Glen and Lynn's videos hundreds of times, done mountains of research, have gotten in touch with other honers before joining SRP, and am headed to a get together next Saturday to meet some other members on here and go over honing techniques and skills before I pull the trigger on ordering a set of stones. Straight razor shaving, though, absolutely love it. With the help of (again) Lynn's videos, some other videos, discussions with other straight razors, it's gone great. I wouldn't be jumping to honing if I was having any troubles with stropping. But, it's going to be through continued mentoring through individuals I get to know here and meet in the community that will help me build and refine skills in shaving, refreshing and honing.