Another Newbie with Honing Questions.

[Nickedmint]

Hey Everyone,

I'm really new to shaving with a straight and thinking ahead, I'm worried about honing my new 5/8ths Full hollow Dovo C-Mon Carbon steel razor. I would prefer not to mess it up and have to send it to a pro honemeister afterward.

First off, if I only use my Razor 2-3 times a week stropping before and after the shave, how often would you estimate I would have to hone the blade? (it came shave ready)

I'm hoping to do one stone hones on my new Blue Belgian Coticule (6x2) plus a slurry stone - is this acceptable?
The details of the stone according to where I purchased it from: "

The thickness of the Belgian Blue Whetstone is between 13 and 16 mm. It has a grit of ca. 4000 and contains 20 to 30 % garnets which allow the stone to whet at a fast speed."​

If I bought a new Coticule, do I have to lap it before using it for the first time?

Feel free to go into more detail than I'm asking for! I've never honed anything before and could use the advice.
So far this is one of the best videos I've watched about honing with a coticule:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H-h8eUWQwo

Thanks everyone!

 

[Kentos]

Welcome to B&B!!

Well, you asked a few questions that really don't have absolute answers.

The razor could last 1 month, or 3, or 12. Much depends on your technique, but I touch up my razors maybe once a month.

The coticule can absolutely hone up your razor, how well depends on your skill of course.

Lapping of the coticule should be done once before you use it. After that it really shouldn't need lapping for a while.

 

[Nickedmint]

Thanks, Kent.