Quote Originally Posted by Utopian View Post
I disagree. I started using straight razors about 5 years before finding SRP. I got about 10 old razors (I could have gotten by with less), two barber hones, and a strop to start straight shaving. I had been using a brush and soap for lather for about 20 years already. That was all I needed and all I used.

It was "simple, uncomplicated, and easy."

SRP made it complicated (by my own choice) and a lot more fun.
I love stories like this. You come here and find out what else you "need". Nah, you get things because you want them. They're fun. For me, it's the challenge of learning a new stone or method.

For my own test purposes, I have created a bevel on a 1K and shaved with it. Done the same and went to pastes, decent shave. I've shaved off my 3k. It was just a personal test for me and opened my eyes that if I had to I could get by with less.

Utopian, did you set the bevels on your b.hones? If so, just a longer process?

Recently a member sent me a couple of razors to check out. He just started honing. I've read about it here, but have not tried it. one he did I couldn't say a thing about. He used only norton 4/8k.. These were antique store finds, so likely needed some work, too.

So, yeah...you've got real life proof from a member above that you can survive off less. Barbers hones are cheap, too.

To the OP...are you wanting to hone your own razors? Are you wanting to save money or steps or `both? If you're looking to save money, a barber's hone or lapping film is cheap. But, like I stated earlier, film is step-lengthy. If you'd like to try it, I'll send you a set of the film. This will last you a while and will hone up your razors, no problem. If you'd prefer less materials, maybe that's not the way to go. if you want a set to try, let me know. I'll send it to you. no charge. just give you something to play with. you may hate them, you may love them. At least you'll know.