Thread: First time honing

Well, having had my razor for many months now, since September I think it is getting to the point where it needs the edge touched up. Last few times I shaved I actually used my safety razor that I hadn't used since buying the cutthroat one but it just didn't seem to be cutting that well and I don't think it was down to my technique, stropping or lather. It has been several months and it hasn't been honed at all and I doubt my stropping technique is perfect since I only started recently.
Does this seem likely?

Anyway, I'm wanting to give it a shot at touching up the edge myself. I've got a 12K waterstone that I bought on ebay a while ago and some sandpaper (Wet n Dry of the grit that was recommended on the wiki here for lapping, I understand that lapping has to be done the first time I use the stone.
Should this stone be all I need to touch up the edge from a few months use. I'd say averaging once, twice at the absolute most, a week. Or am I likely to need another one?

The other thing I was wondering is if there is anyone located in Scotland or the UK I suppose who does honing of a razor that I could send it to if I need someone to fix it for me?

I would lap a new hone before using it. Most aren't sold as flat as they might be. Provided you did not damage the edge a 12K suffices.

Hi Samwise, I'm in Glasgow. If you do have any problems I could fix the razor for you as long as it isn't a wedge or half wedge - all my razors are hollows - personally I would send Gary Haywood a pm if you do have any troubles, great guy and has far more expertise than myself.

But as long as you take it slow and only apply as much pressure to keep the spine and edge flat on the stone - too much pressure and you'll mess up the bevel - you should be fine.

regards Alex

Thanks for the replies guys
Just good to know that the hone I'm going to use should be sufficient and also that there are people fairly locally who can fix it if it all goes wrong

Thanks justalex, I shall give him a PM if I need to (hopefully I won't)

You didn't say what hone you have, that will make a difference. Also you didn't say what razor you have. If it's an Eboy special go ahead and play with it but if it is a pricier piece or a new razor I wouldn't use it to play with. Also if the razor has deteriorated to the point it isn't shaving good at all you might very well be beyond a touchup and may need some more serious honing.