Thread: Which one?

Originally Posted by RayClem

When you are starting out learning to hone, there is always the possibility of damaging the razor. Thus, the razor you use for practice should always be the one you would miss the least if you damage it.

If you do not already have such a razor, then you can either purchase an inexpensive vintage razor, or an inexpensive Chinese razor such as the Gold Dollar and ZY razors. Avoid unknown brands that may or may not take a satisfactory edge. Although the GD and ZY razors frequently have issues, they are generally capable of achieving a suitable edge with some work. Thus, they are good razors for learning how to hone. Many people use GD or ZY razors as test razors when trying out new hones.

Thank you! This is very good advise that I did not even think of. I will be purchasing a GD or ZY.


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I'm looking into the GD razors, is there one that is better than the rest for this purpose?


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I purchased several GD and ZY razors to practice honing. I have models 208, 300, 600, and 800. The models 208 and 300 are carbon steel. Models 800 and 800 are stainless steel. The model I do not have and would not consider purchasing is model 66. It is the cheapest of the lot, but it is the model a lot of folks purchase for modding.

In general, the higher the number, the better the quality of the razor and the higher the price. Based on my experience with the razors, I would recommend the 800 if you want stainless and the 208 if you want carbon steel. Both have the same scales. I found the scales on model 300 to be rather flimsy.

If you purchase one, I would suggest you purchase it from someone who can hone it properly. I purchased my first one from Wet Shaving Place honed by Lee. It came with a good edge. I purchased the other razors with the factory edge and honed them myself. Once properly honed, they can give a nice shave. I now have a large collection of razors, but still include these GD/ZY razors in the shave rotation from time to time,

Thank you RayClem. I will be purchasing the razor just for learning how to hone.


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I can advise to not go into the GD rabbithole.
Use one of those you have! Pick the one you like least and do your best with it.
JMHO

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I can advise to not go into the GD rabbithole.
Use one of those you have! Pick the one you like least and do your best with it.
JMHO

I second sharptonn's recommendation. While I did get one-one-one honing lessons from Glen (check out "Honing with Speedster" on gssixgun's YouTube channel), I was already touching up my Lewis custom just a few razors later. I did no permanent damage to this razor while I was still squarely in the "learning how to hone" mode. Man up already.

Unless you have horrible hand-eye coordination, you will not harm your carbon or stainless steel razors. More harm will come to your strops learning how to strop than ever will your razors in learning how to hone. Just my $0.02.

Well I must say I like the idea of the razors I have. I have already tried the one stone hone and did ok. Thank you gentleman for chiming in.


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