Thread: Best way to hone this blade

Originally Posted by Montgomery

I bought a mixed lot which was apparently from an old barber shop. 28 razors, seven combs and 3 strops. There were just over 10 5/8 full hollow Solingen blades, a similar number of 'Wiener Schaber' type blades, and the balance was made up of various oddments, of which this blade was one. This was the only non-German blade in the lot, and I think it could be the best one.

Some more evidence that all you really need is a 5/8 sized razor to get the job of shaving done well. Contrary to today's user fascination with larger blade sizes. The basic difference between a business and a hobby.

Bob

Originally Posted by RezDog

I expect that it is near the original shape.

Good, that was the main thing I wanted to know!

Originally Posted by RezDog

With that style of razor I start with a heel leading stroke and as I pass the middle of the hone the toe starts to sweep forward.
...
You should watch Glen’s videos on honing a smiling wedge. ... That should get you started on the right foot.

Having got the message that the profile can be kept, and that the blade should be honed as a smile, I went ahead last night. My internet was down, so I hadn't seen this post, I set the bevel with one layer of tape on the spine, and it is a nice fairly even bevel, not too wide. I'll watch the videos before I carry on to get me up to date. Actually the edge was pretty good for most of the length of the blade, but those rust spots near the toe which can be seen in the picture had eaten into the edge a little and needed to be honed out. I have honed one smiling blade before, and have to say it was the easiest hone I have ever done. Same with this blade, it WANTS to be honed!

Originally Posted by BobH

Some more evidence that all you really need is a 5/8 sized razor to get the job of shaving done well. Contrary to today's user fascination with larger blade sizes. The basic difference between a business and a hobby.

Yes! And seven of the 5/8 Solingen blades were of the same model. The old boy who owned these probably just bought a box of them and got on with it. There were also four other pairs of identical models in the lot, so I guess he stuck with the blades he liked.

Having said that, I find a slightly weightier blade helps in certain circumstances, especially as I don't shave every day, and the light blades judder a bit in heavy growth. But I am no expert.

Out of interest, what date would we put on this blade?

So, following the instructions, I honed the razor, and it was very straightforward. Not tested it yet but looking forward to it!

Thanks everyone.

Be sure and let us know how it shaves for you.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Be sure and let us know how it shaves for you.

Bob

Will do Bob!

Originally Posted by BobH

Be sure and let us know how it shaves for you.

Very happy with it. Pretty smooth, the weighty blade is good for longer growth, and the curve towards the toe means I can go against the grain under the corner of my jaw, which I have never been able to do before. And I'm sure it will only get better as my honing improves.

It’s easy. Wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in a box. Then you mail it off to one of the honemeisters that are here and you are done. Less than fifty bucks and it is absolutely perfect. Outback put an edge on my Joe Elliot that is amazing. GSSxguns is pretty well known for his edges. Leave to the pros!

Originally Posted by MrZ

It’s easy. Wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in a box. Then you mail it off to one of the honemeisters that are here and you are done. Less than fifty bucks and it is absolutely perfect. Outback put an edge on my Joe Elliot that is amazing. GSSxguns is pretty well known for his edges. Leave to the pros!

Hmmm... I may send a blade off one of these days, to compare edges, when I think I have gone as far as I can go without further input. But sending every blade off to be honed? Where would the fun be in that? I have 34 blades here waiting to be honed, which by my calculations should keep me out of trouble for about a year. And by then, I should have improved enough for it to be worthwhile to go back to the beginning and do them all again. I appreciate that some people like to send their blades off, but for me, that would pretty much make the whole thing pointless.

Edit: By the way, my other smiling blade is a Joseph Elliot, and it is also a great razor which is a pleasure to hone and to use.