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.

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