Strop side

Hello,

Razor Strops, Hones, and Accessories

The side visible in the picture---i.e. the smoothest side---is the one one strops onto, right?

If so, I've been using the other, brown, "bumpy" side for a while now (years, on and off). If my new guess is right, then it might explain why my razors went dull so quickly, thus uncomfortable and bad quality shaves (and then beards). Again, if that's the case, do you think the kind of damage done would be something a honing newbie could fix with a new naniwa 12K waterstone? Or is it something best left to someone more experienced?

Never again will make fun of silly, obvious instruction manuals,

Thanks,
--Vincent

Yep, its the smooth side you use...!

No worries though, its how we learn and the damage can be fixed! :)

In terms of what stone is needed, it will really depend on how dull the edge is. 12k is really a finishing stone, and for touch ups, so you may find that the 12k is a little bit too fine to sharpen a dull edge. You'll probably need to start a bit lower than that.

It sounds to me from what you're saying that the razor is dulled, but is still shaving, albeit poorly. If so, I'd probably go down to a 4k stone for this one to get it sharp, before moving onto 8k and higher grits to polish and finish.

If you've not honed a razor before, my recommendation would be to go to a honemeister and have them re-hone it.

The reason I say this is that a honemeister will be able to put a shave ready edge on the razor, and then you'll know what the edge should feel like. You can then use that razor as a benchmark for your other edges when you start honing yourself.

If you dont have a comparison, trying to hone a razor is like rifle shooting in the dark. You know the targets out there, but you have no idea where...!

Good luck!

Ok, so since I think the 12K grit hasn't shipped already, maybe I can act quickly and replace it. I notice Fendrihan, Classic Wet Shaving Supplies has 3K, 8K and 12K grits for the Naniwa waterstones. Do you think it would be smarter to replace the 12K by a 8K in my order, or would 8K be still too fine? Moving into generalities, let's imagine that I get it done by someone else, and stop ruining my razors by stropping on the bumpy side, would then 8K be sufficient for maintenance, or would 12K be a better choice?

(yes, I realize this is the stropping subforum :-))

Thanks for the advice and confirmation of my silly mistake,
--Vincent
P.S. I have a new razor on its way, honed by Lynn. I expect to use it as a benchmark.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vnc

Ok, so since I think the 12K grit hasn't shipped already, maybe I can act quickly and replace it. I notice Fendrihan, Classic Wet Shaving Supplies has 3K, 8K and 12K grits for the Naniwa waterstones. Do you think it would be smarter to replace the 12K by a 8K in my order, or would 8K be still too fine? Moving into generalities, let's imagine that I get it done by someone else, and stop ruining my razors by stropping on the bumpy side, would then 8K be sufficient for maintenance, or would 12K be a better choice?

(yes, I realize this is the stropping subforum :-))

Thanks for the advice and confirmation of my silly mistake,
--Vincent
P.S. I have a new razor on its way, honed by Lynn. I expect to use it as a benchmark.

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Vincent, as pointed out, the 12K is a polishing stone. Yes, you can use the 8K for touch up....my advice is to purchase the 5K and 8K Naniwas to touch up the blade,and when your budget allows it buy the 12K Naniwa. Go to the Wiki and read on the Pyramid honing method written by Lynn Abrams before you try to hone your razor.