It seems its about that time for me to learn how to hone my razors, and was wondering what you guys think the best/cheapest way to go would be? My only shave ready would be a sight unseen from Larry a few months back, but it seems like its pulling more hair than it is cutting now. I've heard about lapping films but also have been looking into finding a vintage hone so i don't have to break the bank! Any advice would be great, and thanks in advance!
Best way to get into honing?
- Thread starter tcechak
- Start date
Cheapest way? Films are cheap and effective, if lacking in mojo. A great way to see if you enjoy the process.
First, have you just been stropping the razor or have you been using it with an abrasive compound? (I know Larry sells balsa strops for chromox stropping.)
If you've just been stropping it on clean linen and leather, then it's a very simple manner. You just need to buy a "finishing" or "touch up" hone or a flat surface (granite, glass, etc) and high grit film (I think 1 micron is what most would recommend). Vintage barber synthetics can be a good deal, but you often have to lap them flat, which can be quite a bit of work for some, and they are VERY hit or miss. I've had "Barber" and "Razor" hones that I'd guess were only 3-4k grit, certainly not fine enough to give a comfortable shave in my book... and that's just ACTUAL razor hones. eBay sellers list EVERYTHING as razor hones. There is no sense of responsibility there. You'll see 60grit pocket knife hones that are sold at the checkout line at the dollar store sold as "Antique Ultra-fine finishing razor hone! OMG SO SMOOOTH!!!!"
My recommendation personally is to start with a reasonably small coticule. 150x40mm or 150x50mm were a really good price point for a first stone the last time I was in the market for one. They are good, easy touch up hones that offer a comfortable shave even when not in the hands of an expert, and if you ever need/want to do any coarser work they can do everything from beveling on.
If you've just been stropping it on clean linen and leather, then it's a very simple manner. You just need to buy a "finishing" or "touch up" hone or a flat surface (granite, glass, etc) and high grit film (I think 1 micron is what most would recommend). Vintage barber synthetics can be a good deal, but you often have to lap them flat, which can be quite a bit of work for some, and they are VERY hit or miss. I've had "Barber" and "Razor" hones that I'd guess were only 3-4k grit, certainly not fine enough to give a comfortable shave in my book... and that's just ACTUAL razor hones. eBay sellers list EVERYTHING as razor hones. There is no sense of responsibility there. You'll see 60grit pocket knife hones that are sold at the checkout line at the dollar store sold as "Antique Ultra-fine finishing razor hone! OMG SO SMOOOTH!!!!"
My recommendation personally is to start with a reasonably small coticule. 150x40mm or 150x50mm were a really good price point for a first stone the last time I was in the market for one. They are good, easy touch up hones that offer a comfortable shave even when not in the hands of an expert, and if you ever need/want to do any coarser work they can do everything from beveling on.
Best, or cheapest? Cheapest would be lapping films, and fairly easy to learn, but I hate the hassle with it. If I would have to start again, than I would start with a 4/8k Norton, or a 3/8k Naniwa, and a pasted paddle strop.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the replies guys, i might have to give the Naniwa a try.
I picked up an assortment of lapping film for under $20 from a member here. I use that to be sure I always have a sharp razor. It's easy enough for me, and I'm not real bright sometimes.
Then I watched the B/S/T forum for a coticule to show up that was in my price range ($50-ish). Now I can learn to use it at my leisure, without having to worry about sharpening my daily use razor.
Then I watched the B/S/T forum for a coticule to show up that was in my price range ($50-ish). Now I can learn to use it at my leisure, without having to worry about sharpening my daily use razor.
I honed up a TI Evide Sonnant on lappings film today. Left a wonderful edge. I would not hesitate recommending it to a beginner. The 4/8 Norton is also a great way to get started as is the 3/8 Naniwa. A Coticule is also a good way to get into the honing game, wonderful stones. What is important is to pick the one that you want to try and then stick with it until you learn how to use it consistently. I would advise against dipping into other methods until you master the first. Hope that makes sense. I made the mistake of getting too much stuff before I had figured out what I already had. It deffinetely slowed down my progress.
bang for the buck would be lapping films....
mojo and longevity would be a coti.....
*(i suggest both..... learn them well... there are few things in this world as satisfying as shaving with your own edge.... the true lost art of manliness...)
mojo and longevity would be a coti.....
*(i suggest both..... learn them well... there are few things in this world as satisfying as shaving with your own edge.... the true lost art of manliness...)
