Sorry but this is going to be long 
.
Irritated by the cost of cartridges I looked to see if there was any alternatives, and much to my surprise I found that DE shaving still was thriving (Im a western world ignorant heavily influenced by big company advertising).
After starting DE shaving and finding it quite a pleasure, I was lead in the direction of B&B (Thank you JEEP) and from here the ADs just spun out of control.
Ive always thought it would be kind of cool to try and shave with a straight razor, but after reading all about the general maintenance, stropping and honing to keep the razor in shave condition, it put me off and I discarded the idea.
Curious though, I did some more studying and started lurking in the straight razor forum getting some knowledge of the subject.
Finally I caved in and ordered a straight and strop just before Christmas. It was a steep learning curve especially in the beginning, and I was quite convinced that stropping was difficult enough so honing would never come into play.
As I got better at straight shaving, I acquired more straight razors and several didnt come shave-ready, so I was looking at some expenditure in honing fees and postal charges (which are the worst) that I once again studied the subject and went on and bought a Belgian Coticule as they come highly recommended by some members which opinion and advice I respect.
The link to http://www.coticule.be/ has been of much help as well, I have printed all the pages from The Sharpening Academy and read them several times. Very good articles
I made a sorry attempt of honing a razor on the Coticule and the result was a razor that wasnt no near sharp enough and that resulted in razor burn. One time is no time so I gave it another try with almost the same result. That made me think that the Coticule was too fine (at least for some of my razors) and I started looking for a lower grid stone of some kind, and had my eyes on a Naniwa combo-stone (good value for money). Some more studying (almost feels like Im back to school
) and when it came to ordering, I changed my mind and went for a Belgian Blue Whetstone.
With the BBW in house I gave it another try, this attempt was with a dull razor that had a bit of a smile, I could have made it easier on myself but at least I didnt mind should the razor be ruined in my effort to hone it.
Baring in mind that my knowledge of honing consists of a couple of YouTube videos, threads here and coticule.be and my two failed experiments, I didnt have high hopes, but after 30-45 minutes I was shaving arm hairs
The BBW was exchanged with the Coticule and I spent about the same time on this while I was watering out the slurry and finishing off with pure water.
Now there was only one thing to do; strop and shave test it. To my surprise I got a really nice shave without irritation. The razor could have benefited from some more time on the Coticule but not bad at all.
Eager to try it again, I chose a razor with a blade in better condition and I spend some more time on the Coticule and the result was really good. It gave a smooth and irritation free shave. A bit more time on both stones and I think Im close to; as good as it can be (with my current technique).
My (very limited) experience so far: Both Belgian stones are awesome hones, and I cant see myself (not taking into consideration an outburst of AD) ordering other stones, these two are so versatile I dont see any need for others. I would like a longer Coticule, but I'm good for now.
The Coticule Ive got seems to be a very slow stone, but I dont mind now I know, and it gives a very smooth edge.
Sorry for babbling on, but at the end of the day I will just like to express my gratitude for the help and advice of the experienced members in here, they have been much appreciated, and for the link to coticule.be Thank you
P.S.
15 months ago; I didnt even consider DE shaving.
9 months ago; straight shaving was outdated and for stubborn old-timers.
3 months ago; I would consider honing a skill, too difficult to acquire.
Ive been eating so many camels in the last year that Im full
.Irritated by the cost of cartridges I looked to see if there was any alternatives, and much to my surprise I found that DE shaving still was thriving (Im a western world ignorant heavily influenced by big company advertising).
After starting DE shaving and finding it quite a pleasure, I was lead in the direction of B&B (Thank you JEEP) and from here the ADs just spun out of control.
Ive always thought it would be kind of cool to try and shave with a straight razor, but after reading all about the general maintenance, stropping and honing to keep the razor in shave condition, it put me off and I discarded the idea.
Curious though, I did some more studying and started lurking in the straight razor forum getting some knowledge of the subject.
Finally I caved in and ordered a straight and strop just before Christmas. It was a steep learning curve especially in the beginning, and I was quite convinced that stropping was difficult enough so honing would never come into play.
As I got better at straight shaving, I acquired more straight razors and several didnt come shave-ready, so I was looking at some expenditure in honing fees and postal charges (which are the worst) that I once again studied the subject and went on and bought a Belgian Coticule as they come highly recommended by some members which opinion and advice I respect.
The link to http://www.coticule.be/ has been of much help as well, I have printed all the pages from The Sharpening Academy and read them several times. Very good articles
I made a sorry attempt of honing a razor on the Coticule and the result was a razor that wasnt no near sharp enough and that resulted in razor burn. One time is no time so I gave it another try with almost the same result. That made me think that the Coticule was too fine (at least for some of my razors) and I started looking for a lower grid stone of some kind, and had my eyes on a Naniwa combo-stone (good value for money). Some more studying (almost feels like Im back to school
) and when it came to ordering, I changed my mind and went for a Belgian Blue Whetstone.With the BBW in house I gave it another try, this attempt was with a dull razor that had a bit of a smile, I could have made it easier on myself but at least I didnt mind should the razor be ruined in my effort to hone it.
Baring in mind that my knowledge of honing consists of a couple of YouTube videos, threads here and coticule.be and my two failed experiments, I didnt have high hopes, but after 30-45 minutes I was shaving arm hairs
The BBW was exchanged with the Coticule and I spent about the same time on this while I was watering out the slurry and finishing off with pure water.
Now there was only one thing to do; strop and shave test it. To my surprise I got a really nice shave without irritation. The razor could have benefited from some more time on the Coticule but not bad at all.
Eager to try it again, I chose a razor with a blade in better condition and I spend some more time on the Coticule and the result was really good. It gave a smooth and irritation free shave. A bit more time on both stones and I think Im close to; as good as it can be (with my current technique).
My (very limited) experience so far: Both Belgian stones are awesome hones, and I cant see myself (not taking into consideration an outburst of AD) ordering other stones, these two are so versatile I dont see any need for others. I would like a longer Coticule, but I'm good for now.
The Coticule Ive got seems to be a very slow stone, but I dont mind now I know, and it gives a very smooth edge.
Sorry for babbling on, but at the end of the day I will just like to express my gratitude for the help and advice of the experienced members in here, they have been much appreciated, and for the link to coticule.be Thank you
P.S.
15 months ago; I didnt even consider DE shaving.
9 months ago; straight shaving was outdated and for stubborn old-timers.
3 months ago; I would consider honing a skill, too difficult to acquire.
Ive been eating so many camels in the last year that Im full
