Thread: New Honer needs Specific Instructions...

Hey all. I've been reading and re-reading all the different articles in the Wiki regarding honing, hone strokes, hones, sharpness tests, etc etc... And the problem I'm having is putting together a good starting routine for me to then build on and experiment with (the information in the wikis is great, but so much of it! And I can't figure out if some of it conflicts with some of the rest of it... should I expect to be able to pop arm hairs at 1k, or 4k, for example). So I'm hoping you can give me some advice.

First off, my hones and razors... I have the Norton 220/1k, 4k/8k, the DMT 325, a Whipped-Dog balsa strop with Green .03 on one side and Red .01 on the other (have any of the rest of you used these "pastes"? Are they really that fine, and if so, should I maybe stay away from the .01?) and a leather strop. Razors: I have two razors my dad sent me, both pretty dull, one with a 1/2mm chip on the edge (I don't have them in front of me, I know the chipped one is a Novelty Cutlery Co.) and a shave-ready that was sent to me by Larry over at Whipped Dog.

Here's the kind of advice I'm looking for:

"Start off with X number of strokes on Y hone, then do (insert appropriate sharpness test here), and if it passes, move on Y2 hone and do X2 number of strokes... etc"

I know I'm going to get different answers, but really, I've been moving the blade around (mostly the chipped Novelty), trying different strokes and passes and hones, and honestly I just feel like I'm at sea . Any kind of, "Hey, try this progression and see if you notice any progress" help would at least give me the feeling of direction.

Thanks guys!

There is no set # of strokes off any stone due to all the variables of stone, razor, condition of razor, pressure...you get my drift. My best recommendation for you is to find a honing mentor and let them show you. You never mentioned if you are a straight shaver either...this is a big deal actually. You need to know how to shave & know what a shave ready razor is. Then I usually recommend learning to maintain the razor, then move on to actual honing. Please give your city & state, ask for assistance. If you are anywhere in the SE OK or NE TX area, I'd be more than willing to assist you.

I would also recommend Lynn's video available at The Finest In Gentlemens Shaving And Grooming Needs It covers pretty much everything all in one package.

Well. You make some good points. I am, first of all, brand new to straight shaving as well. I've been using the DE for over a year, and knew I'd make this leap, but it's all new to me. I usually jump into the deep end once I decide to jump which is why I'm alredy looking to hone and restore as well as learning to shave. I'll take a deep breath and remember that a lot of this will come in time, one step at a time.

I've already ordered Lynn's video, should be here tomorrow, and I can't wait to take it all in.

I'm in the Chicago area, and would love to be able to pick the brain of a local master - If anybody's interested, just tell me your price (be it $$$, a bottle of Scotch, or a nice dinner, I'd be happy to oblige) and we'll make it happen.

ThrownClear, you should take advantage of this opportunity. You would have the opportunity to hang out with like minded wet shavers and get your questions answered with some hands on mentoring.

Originally Posted by Bill S

ThrownClear, you should take advantage of this opportunity. You would have the opportunity to hang out with like minded wet shavers and get your questions answered with some hands on mentoring.

Oh my God! I'll be there!

You should also look at the "community" tab above, then the google map to find SRP folks within driving distance...then shoot them a PM. There are a lot of great guys here who would love to show you the ropes.

FWIW I would suggest getting onto You Tube and doing a search for 'gssixgun', watch and listen to Glen's commentary as he hones on what ever system you have.
It has opened up a whole new world of honing for me.
Also, get with someone who knows how to hone and learn from them too.
Every little bit helps on this ride on the learning curve.
Most of all hang on and enjoy the ride.