Firs Impressions.

Just a month or two ago I won a 5/8 Henckel off the eBay. It from all that I could see had never been honed or used. it was in the original gray plastic coffin less the cap and in the plastic sleeve with the little brown paper that comes with them. I got out all my hones and went to work. I used the 1-3-5-8-12K naniwa and finished on the Suehiro 20K. Stropped and then shaved. I was not impressed. Since then I have been giving a lot of thought to letting it go. Now I said all that to say this. Today I decided to try it again. it has been about 2 days since I shaved so this will be a good test. I got my razors out ( the henckel and a Solingen 6/8 ) and stropped both of them and set them up in the bathroom. I got my hot shower and lathered up with SRD Blood Orange. I really don't know what I did wrong the first time but this time the shave was great. It just goes to show you that you need to shave more than once before grading a razor. Now I still like the larger blades but the 5/8 is a good size. :hmmm:

That is very true. Sometimes a failed shave is a failed honing session. It is hard to tell until you put in a little time checking things out. I don't think Henckels ever had a less than perfect razor ;-)

I feel like straight razor shaving is more emotional than mechanically based. I've had the same experience as you, and I have also thought that I am Gods gift to honing only to shave with the same razor the next day and think to myself, ho-hum.

Looking back I really believe that the first shave with the Henckel was my fault. I may not have followed through with my prep as I should and It was a one day shave instead of a 2 day growth. I usually get a better shave and a more comfortable shave if I wait at least 2 days. I think that the higher the stubble the more the lather soaks in and there fore makes it easier for the blade to cut the whiskers. I have not re-honed the razor the only difference is that I took a hot shower and used the Blood Orange and built a nice creamy lather. I guess I was in a hurry to ck out my new razor. at any rate this shave was very comfortable and close. I really believe that after honing I should have waited for the next day to try out the new blade or at least paid more attention to my prep.

Waiting makes sense to me. I have a 50/50 shot at not doing a proper enough prep because I can't wait to see if my honing job is any good.

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Originally Posted by jfk742

Waiting makes sense to me. I have a 50/50 shot at not doing a proper enough prep because I can't wait to see if my honing job is any good.

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Patience. That's watch it's all about. My wife says I have all the patience I was born with. because I haven't used any of it. as far as honing goes I don't think i'm doing to bad. I'm still not where I would like to be but I had the opportunity to sit beside and watch and learn from one of the best hone masters. That helped me tremendously. If someone is having trouble with honing or any other part of this life stile and has the opportunity to go to a meet and watch and talk to one of the pros they really should. you can learn so much by being there in person . the videos are good but in person is better.

I can relate. Sometimes, they just need a bit...... Not too much. I have one like that now. Pain! So close! :hmmm:

Best to walk away. Try later after thinking of it a while. Meanwhile, the strop might just bring it in! :y

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Originally Posted by rhensley

Patience. That's watch it's all about. My wife says I have all the patience I was born with. because I haven't used any of it. as far as honing goes I don't think i'm doing to bad. I'm still not where I would like to be but I had the opportunity to sit beside and watch and learn from one of the best hone masters. That helped me tremendously. If someone is having trouble with honing or any other part of this life stile and has the opportunity to go to a meet and watch and talk to one of the pros they really should. you can learn so much by being there in person . the videos are good but in person is better.

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There is nothing better than hands on help.

Correct, Shaun! Still, I learned from Lynn's video, rest is here. Hands on help from someone knowledgeable is key.
Otherwise, a waste of booze! :rofl2:

I truly want to have the opportunity to sit with some guys who KNOW how to hone!
Would be neat!