Thread: That's what a good hone shaves like! Ahaaaaaa. Can't wait to see how he did it 3/1

After a great three month run last spring, I'd acquired fixer-upper SRs (Torrey & Bismark 5/8 hollow grounds, and a Wostenholm wedge), and was shaving fairly well with them, but had newbie-stropped them into dullness. Then life got in the way, and they sat awaiting honing for six months.

So, I've been looking forward to meeting SR shavers and getting some in-person how-to on stropping, shaving, and honing in person, and posted about it here on SRP. AirportCopper kindly responded, inviting me to the upcoming NY/NJ/CT Meet Up.

He further extended his generosity and expertise, offering to hone my razors, gratis. Not only did he do it for nothin, but he did it like a pro:

Your razors are done. All of them were chipped. I removed the chips. The Bismarck and the Wostenholm were finished on a 20 k suehiro. The Torrey was finished on a Naniwa 12. I sprayed the blades with clippercide which is a disinfectant and oil in one. Just wipe the blades off and shave.

I just got them back today (just six days after I sent them) and shaved with the Torrey. Wow! Now that's a hone: glass mirrored, straight, consistent edges. The Torrey gave me its best shave yet today -- super smooth and close. Now I have a great baseline by which to judge an SR hone and edge.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting him and everyone else coming to the NY-NJ-CT Tri-State Meet Up! March 1st @ 9AM Location Valley Stream, NY (Long Island) where I'll get to see the equipment and techniques he used to hone these blades, plus from what I read, much more, and meet the gents at the forefront of the craft in the area. And say thanks, in person.

Can't wait!

Thanks, AirportCopper. Looking forward...

FYI: My razors. All about 80-100 years old, flea market rehabs, bought for a few bucks each.

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I had some great teachers...

Wrong! You got out what you put in. Someone can show you something but YOU did the work. YOU practiced and wanted it so you got it brother! Hats off to you! Anybody need a razor honed, this is the guy!

Hone review #2 The Bismarck
The Bismarck and the Wostenholm were finished on a 20 k suehiro.

On the first pass, the Bismarck shaved better than the Torrey. With an even deeper hollow, the blade is thinner and sings out nicely as it cut through the beard like butter. It feels better to the hand - more precise.

But on the second and third pass I was struggling to keep the blade flowing smoothly. Clearly my lather was the main issue -- I was testing a new brush for the first time, and haven't dialed it in yet, and my lather was drying out before the pass was over. So, extra struggle around my chin and upper lip.

Next time with a tried and true brush and soap combo, and I'll see how it goes.

When I test shave I eliminate all variables. Same soap, bowl,brush cream. Thats the only way I really know if its the blade or something else.

Originally Posted by bill3152

When I test shave I eliminate all variables. Same soap, bowl,brush cream. Thats the only way I really know if its the blade or something else.

I agree. Im very careful about changing My routine at any time. I only change my pre or most shave if I'm absolutely sure that the razor I'm using is ready.

Michael

The Bismarck provided a much smoother shave today, using a tried and true lather (pre-shave Musgo Real Lime Glyc (super slippy), L'Occitane Cade with a badger). Again, the first WTG pass was super smooth with a light crackly zing song. The second and third passes were significantly smoother than yesterday.

Since these are my first straight razor shaves in seven months, after only 10 weeks at it last spring, it's hard to compare, since each shave I'm remembering more technique. I'm remembering how to shave with an SR, while trying to evaluate new hones. The Bismarck feels more precise, with that lighter, thinner blade, yet, like a race-car, it seems like it may require more technique to handle properly. Tomorrow I'll shave with the Bismarck. After that I may actually try a same shave comparison with all three. As I recall, when the wedge was first honed it provided the best shaving experience -- the feel of firmness, smooth control, the ability to smoothly pass the blade over my face was unsurpassed. Whether that yielded the closest shave I don't recall. More to report tomorrow and Monday.

Oh man, the wedge! I shaved with the Wostenholm wedge today: best of the three! I like the solid steel feel of the blade in my hand, and heightened feeling of control and smooth transfer of motion and power in a consistent movement from hand to the blade. There's a nice, wide glassy bowed band to the edge -- very stylish -- and super soft, sharp, effective. A very quiet, subdued zip (not zing) as it cuts, but provided me a more comfortable shave than the other two. It provided the all around best shaving experience (pleasure, comfort, control) and shave (close, yet not too close). Great job, AirportCopper! Thanks!