Hone self - or send out

[shm]

I've acquired a Joseph Rodgers & Sons 6/8" wedge with what appears to be bone scales.
The scales are in poor condition and needs replacement, and the razor need to be honed.

And this is where the question pops up - should I try and hone it myself and risk damaging the blade, or would it be more sensible to send it to a honemeister?

My honing experience:
I've honed about eight hollow ground razors to my own satisfaction, and a couple of them turned out really nice.
But after what I can gather around here it is more difficult/tricky to hone a wedge shaped razor - hence the question.

 

[joshmpdx]

I say give it a go!

Those Rodgers are fantastic shavers, barring any chips, frowns, nicks in the edge... im sure you'll put a great edge on it.

 

[shm]

The blade is in good condition, and I don't want to ruin it, that would be a shame.

Pics below.

 

[Huxley]

In all honesty if you don't feel comfortable with honing it then send it off.

Personally id advise giving it a go or at least practice with your other razors more first, seems to me you're slowly getting there, you just need more time spent honing.

It's the reason why i got so many razors and stones, in reality it's not that hard you just need to find the right combination that works for you.

 

[gary haywood]

i have honed a thew wedges they are hard er work. and you can end up with a massive wide bevlel if your not carful. have a go but i recomend you start of with 3 layers of tape when honing . this way you won't end up with a massive bevel. if the shave is uncomfortable . Start again with two layers watch the bevel . You should get a more comfotable shave . If the bevel is looking ok drop down to one layer the shave should be fine.this is what i do . if start at one layer and the bevlel becomes latrge and ugly your nackerd . cover your back with 3 layers you can always come down.

 

[Kees]

Eventually you'll want to hone your own. Get yourself a cheap practice razor and get going. As soon as you are happy with the results you can have a go at the Rodgers.

@ Gary: what's wrong with a wide bevel on a wedge? The wedgier a razor the wider the bevel (unless you use tape which IMHO is not necessary unless you dislike wide bevels and honewear.

 

[rickboone1]

Send it out. That way you don't mess it up. Later on when you're more comfortable you can hone it yourself.

 

[professorchaos]

That doesn't appear to need a whole lot of work. Nonetheless, I'd say send it out. A Rodgers straight is a fine thing, you don't want risk doing harm to it.

 

[chess1]

I agree with everyone . Just send it out. blade in fact is in good condition.
gl

 

[alexo]

Do you send your toasts to someone else to spread butter? technically, honing isn't that different.

 

[PhatMan]

shm,

+1 on what Mr Haywood has said.

If you are happy honing it yourself, then have at it

However, as the blade is quite wedgy, and has a smile, I personally would send it out for the first honing. This will give you a benchmark for the future.

The next time it needs a trip to the stones, then I would have a go.

Best of luck

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

 

[shm]

Thank you for your views Gentlemen, they are highly appreciated.

I have made my decision and will send it out, I simply won't risk ruin an otherwise nice razor.
Instead I'll have a go at restoring the scales something I haven't tried yet.
If it turns out well, I'll show some pictures, if not I'll make a cover-up

Do you send your toasts to someone else to spread butter? technically, honing isn't that different.

I think the toast would have lost the crisp before it came back

I know what your meaning, but my experience at honing isn't big and currently I'm having issues with bevel-setting on another razor and since the metal is in good condition on this one, I would regret it if I ruined it.
And this being my first wedge, I would really like it to turn out well.