Thread: My First Hone!

Today I attempted my first honing. I used Naniwa 1k, 5k, 8k, and 12k. I know there are lots of different opinions and options out there, but I felt these would suffice for what I am looking to do, and there are two great videos from gssixguns and Lynn utilizing these stones. So that is what I went with. Seemed easy to start with for first timer.

I used a Genco Old Dutch that I picked up at an antique store for a pretty low amount of money. It wasn't in great shape, but the edge wasn't chip or cracked, and the scales just needed some minor cleaning (just wiped off really).

I struggled setting the bevel, as I was very unsure about pressure. I found it amusing, because every other aspect of using a straight razor requires only weight of blade. I thought I had it at first, but when I moved on to 5k and finished up on that, it really wasn't picking off hairs like I had hoped. So I went back to 1k and started over.

Took about an hour, as I was pausing in between to watch videos, etc. But it was actually more fun than I thought it would. Popping hairs off really well, and cleaned up pretty nicely. I wish I had taken before pics, but here is the after pic. Thanks to all for the endless amounts of honing information, and to Lynn and Glenn whose videos I have spent the most time with.

Feels good don't it?

Congrats!

My Genco is the best old razor I have, equal to my favorite, which is a new Boker.

Originally Posted by mdarnton

My Genco is the best old razor I have, equal to my favorite, which is a new Boker.

I live fairly close to Geneva. I've taken an interest in razors from Geneva, Cattaraugus County, Little Valley...I'm going to try and collect some razors from the Western New York area.

Originally Posted by EdG

I live fairly close to Geneva. I've taken an interest in razors from Geneva, Cattaraugus County, Little Valley...I'm going to try and collect some razors from the Western New York area.

There is some great steel from out that way, I have a few and love them, one from Little Valley takes the best edge of the bunch, sharp and smooth.

Man, as you have that thing shaving, there is none better. Hard steel, tamed, is a good thing!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Man, as you have that thing shaving, there is none better. Hard steel, tamed, is a good thing!

Since you mentioned the fact that it is a hard steel, could that be part of the reason it took me a long time to set the bevel to move forward? I know in the threads and videos there is mention of using more strokes for different steels. It was also my first go, so that is an issue too I'm sure. I spent a lot of time on 1k, and had to head back after my first go at 5k, which I wasn't happy with the first time.

Took me a long time to get a good result on the bevel set. Once there, things progressed nicely.

Originally Posted by EdG

Since you mentioned the fact that it is a hard steel, could that be part of the reason it took me a long time to set the bevel to move forward? I know in the threads and videos there is mention of using more strokes for different steels. It was also my first go, so that is an issue too I'm sure. I spent a lot of time on 1k, and had to head back after my first go at 5k, which I wasn't happy with the first time.

Took me a long time to get a good result on the bevel set. Once there, things progressed nicely.

That is one of the reasons, but as much extra time as it takes on the hard steel to get it up to par also translates to how well the edge holds up under use, at least from my experience.

Yes! American 20th century razors all seem to have extremely hard steel. I have spent inordinate time on many to get going. Those Torreys and Clauss'es are like rocks! The are good for a long time after, as pfries said!

Well that is good to know. I haven't had enough experience reading up on how different steels affect shaving and honing. Sounds like the edge was already in pretty good shape prior to my first honing experience. Otherwise I may have been at it all night!