Thread: Been reading through the FAQ's....

Originally Posted by YMS1975

How hard can honing it be? I've read the tutorials, I've seen the video. It's not rocket science. I'd like to learn how to do this for myself.

The real question is, is it time to sharpen it with the hone only after 1 month's worth of usage.

My razors last about a month before needing a touchup as well.

Regarding honing, I was able to get a cheap double-arrow razor to practice on before trying it on my nice razor. The turorials are great, but it still takes some practice. If the blade is straight, evenly honed before, and does not have a frown, it is a pretty straight forward process. But if not, there are certain techniques you'll need to figure out.

I'd recommend getting a 4k/8k norton to start and go from there. There is a lot of satisfaction in honing your own razor.

-Chief

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

My razors last about a month before needing a touchup as well.

Regarding honing, I was able to get a cheap double-arrow razor to practice on before trying it on my nice razor. The turorials are great, but it still takes some practice. If the blade is straight, evenly honed before, and does not have a frown, it is a pretty straight forward process. But if not, there are certain techniques you'll need to figure out.

I'd recommend getting a 4k/8k norton to start and go from there. There is a lot of satisfaction in honing your own razor.

-Chief

..I've got the 4k/8k Norton's combo as well (came as part of my kit that I mentioned in my earlier post). I've never used it, so I have to "lap" it first (or at least, that is my understanding).

I plan on buying some 400 grit 3M sandpaper to lap it; as outlined in the Hone Lapping 101 tutorial by JoshEarl (btw...thanks Josh!!!!).

It sounds like you were happy with the shave readiness when you first got the razor. So, since it's now a month later, it probably needs a bit of a touch up. There's likely no need to go to the 4k side of the Norton at this point. After you lap the stone, just do a handful of laps on the 8k side, strop and then do a test shave. If it's still pulling a bit, do a few more laps on the 8k etc.

You're right that honing is not rocket science, but it does take practice and a light touch. You've got the tutorials and the only way to practice is to do it. So, good luck and let us know how it goes.