Thread: Hone a new razor?

Thanks all for the advice.

If I have it professionally honed, how will I know that it is not only sharp, but also that the edge is in alignment with the spine so that I can re-hone it myself later without resetting the edge?

Is there any way for me to tell if the edge is already set in line with the spine, in which case I might give it a go myself?

Am I making sense with this question?

Originally Posted by mdavis

Thanks all for the advice.

If I have it professionally honed, how will I know that it is not only sharp, but also that the edge is in alignment with the spine so that I can re-hone it myself later without resetting the edge?

Is there any way for me to tell if the edge is already set in line with the spine, in which case I might give it a go myself?

Am I making sense with this question?

None what so ever

Yer really new which is exactly what we are here for.. The razor is honed with the spine as a guide so it is is alignment with the edge, it is a function of the geoemtry of the razor...
Some of us use a layer of electrical tape to protect the sipne but the guy that hones it should tell you that, and honestly it doesn't much mattter later anyway...

You should learn to hone yourself, but the general consensus is to learn to shave first

All of this info is also in this Beginners forum and there are several series of tips on here for beginners that you should really take the time to read


What brand is the razor ????

Once that edge is honed, as long as you don't damage the bevel, it won't need to be reset for a long long long time. Actually once it's set and honed up your 12k lapped flat and about 5-10 passes every month or two, or when the edge feels dulled will keep you going for a year or more depending on how well you care for the edge when stropping and shaving and cleaning the blade.

Just for reference where are you? Someone posting here maybe be within driving distance if you decide to get someone to do it for you, that way you can watch and learn and some hands on practice too.

Buckingham and Sons.

Interestingly, the razor doesn't have scales, though it does have some fancy metalwork on the shank.

I'm in Santa Clara and happy to drive if somebody's willing to teach.

Originally Posted by mdavis

Buckingham and Sons.

This is why I kept asking, unless it is a one in a million razor that the brothers Paki & Stan got right by accident it won't ever shave...

Try and return it and get a refund..

PM me I should have a real razor laying around here that is shave ready, just promise to pass it on to another beginner when yer done using it..

Here you can have this one, I just have to remember where I put it I will touch it up for you, it is a nice 5/8+ Torrey

A free razor and honed by Glen, now that's a flippin' deal man. I would suggest using the search box on this site, type in razors to avoid; it's on the wiki page I think? Print that list, and if you or your wife is going to buy another razor at some point for you, look at that list first. Saved me from buying one of the knock off "damascus" J Buckingham & Sons for $50, when most Damascus razors are $500+ when I was picking out my first straight. That right there is prime example of why Glen is always regarded as a stand-up awesome guy.