I don't want to hijack Cal's journal too much with my background by I've been shaving with SRs off and on since my teens. I've only been honing for just over a year. I had disastrous experiences with synthetic stones at first. When I switched to naturals it all fell into place for me.Terrific post and very helpful for me.
I have several questions.
First, what are the sizes of your stones?
Second, I assume from your username that you were shaving with a SR before coming to B&B. Is that right? If so, it explains much.
I'm a tad interested in the origins of some usernames. However mine was the product of very little thought, and is merely related to shaving, and my ancestry, and was translated by Mr. Google.
My main question is this. Are you saying you run the full progression - thick slurry, dilution, water, thick slurry with soapy water, dilution, soapy water - with each of the three stones?
It is very interesting to hear so much about these slates. I've seen slates mentioned but yours is the first post I've run across describing them in detail and explaining exactly how to use them, so I'd like to have your method described even more exactly if that's possible.
Oh, one more thing. What role do the stones you use with oil play? How do you use them with razors?
Thanks.
Happy shaves,
Jim