Thread: Question on honing a Japanese razor

Can someone please tell me the proper way to hone a Japanese straight razor ? When I first started shaving with my Tosuke razor I was told to hone 3 strokes on the concave (stamped) side and 2 strokes on the other side . Now , judging from what I've been reading lately here on this forum , this may not be the correct way . Since I have only done minimal light touch up honing , I don't think I've ruined my razor , yet . So , what's the proper way to hone it ?

I've been following this routine and it works extremly well.

Thanks O_S . I don't think I've honed more than 50 strokes on either side on my finish hone , the whole time I've been using it . So I don't think I've ruined it . Finally the mystery has been solved .

Guy's
I am also still learing about these razors. What grit stone is being used in the thread? I realize that is a loaded question but what the heck. I am lucky to have a SRP mentor Hi_bud_g close by to visit. I will be meeting with Sham, at lunch for honing guidance, and to pick up a couple razors. tee hee... schoolgirl giggle.

I've had my Tosuke for 2 years . When I first got it my finish hone was a Norton 8k . Shortly thereafter I bought a Shapton 15k . Now my finish hone is a Nakayama asagi Japanese natural hone (J-nat) . All of these hones worked for me . Of course , the finer the hone , the smoother the edge . My razor is made from Yasuki steel , which is easy to hone , and takes and holds a great edge .

Thanks dave5225,
I have a few econo japanese naturals. My main concern at this point is to just refresh the edge which has been accomplished with proper strop technique.. so far.

Dave you never made clear how often you used it over 2 years. Nevertheless I'll say you have been doing alright. If you have been getting great shaves what's the question?

By comparison I have sharpened mine plenty of times at less than 2yr.

For which ever reasons I cannot keep it performing as well as it will.

Yet, I am still sure that the sharpening wakamisori thread is holding the answers for you. That is if you can answer the unanswered questions.

Personally I find my musings on the subject here and there to be spot on. Please allow that no one is perfect

Originally Posted by kevint

Dave you never made clear how often you used it over 2 years. Nevertheless I'll say you have been doing alright. If you have been getting great shaves what's the question?

I shave with it about 3 times a month . I don't remember the last time I needed to touch up the edge . Maybe it's the Yasuki steel , but it shaves alot better than any of my other razors , no matter which side I shave with . The reason I asked about honing is I didn't want to run the risk of eventualy ruining my razor from improper honing .