Post by samson on Jun 16, 2019 14:15:33 GMT -6
I first attempted to hone my own blades when I first got into wet shaving using "unmentionable" razors several years ago. I bought myself a 4k/8k stone, watched numerous YouTube videos, and tried multiple techniques. I could never get a shaveable blade and when I did, it would last until halfway through the shave, and then the tugging/pulling would start. I eventually resigned and went back to sending my razors to someone else to hone, although I badly wanted someone to show me how to hone in person.
Fast forward years later, and I join this forum where I met the resident honemeister, Tom. Turns out we live not too far from each other and last week, Tom braved the California heat to drive down and teach me how to hone! What ensued was about two hours of great conversation and Tom imparting his honing wisdom and techniques as I fumbled to take as many notes as I could.
We went through a full process of setting a bevel, all the way to refining the edge on an 8k. Tom also showed me how to get chips out of a blade edge and he even gave me a lapping stone. Suffice it to say, it was an incredible experience and I learned a tremendous amount.
So how was the shave? Last night I gave the blade about 100 passes on a pasted strop, followed by another 100 on leather and I shaved this morning.
The shave started out well and I got a decent WTG pass but similar to past honing experiences, about halfway through the shave the blade started getting dull. I eventually had to switch to a GEM blade to finish up and was reminded how much I hate disposable blades
I've been cursed with an incredibly thick beard and sensitive skin so getting a blade edge to my liking takes a lot of work. I have more work to do and will likely need to spend a lot more time studying the art of honing and incorporating unique techniques but thanks to Tom, I now have the fundamentals laid out for me and I no longer look at honing as an impossible craft reserved only for those who dedicated their lives to it.
Tom, once again I can't thank you enough! Time is the most precious thing we have and you graciously gave me a few hours of yours for free along with some incredible instruction and education. I shall use what you taught me for the rest of my life and I will eventually get to the point where my blades are perfectly sharpened!
Fast forward years later, and I join this forum where I met the resident honemeister, Tom. Turns out we live not too far from each other and last week, Tom braved the California heat to drive down and teach me how to hone! What ensued was about two hours of great conversation and Tom imparting his honing wisdom and techniques as I fumbled to take as many notes as I could.
We went through a full process of setting a bevel, all the way to refining the edge on an 8k. Tom also showed me how to get chips out of a blade edge and he even gave me a lapping stone. Suffice it to say, it was an incredible experience and I learned a tremendous amount.
So how was the shave? Last night I gave the blade about 100 passes on a pasted strop, followed by another 100 on leather and I shaved this morning.
The shave started out well and I got a decent WTG pass but similar to past honing experiences, about halfway through the shave the blade started getting dull. I eventually had to switch to a GEM blade to finish up and was reminded how much I hate disposable blades
I've been cursed with an incredibly thick beard and sensitive skin so getting a blade edge to my liking takes a lot of work. I have more work to do and will likely need to spend a lot more time studying the art of honing and incorporating unique techniques but thanks to Tom, I now have the fundamentals laid out for me and I no longer look at honing as an impossible craft reserved only for those who dedicated their lives to it.
Tom, once again I can't thank you enough! Time is the most precious thing we have and you graciously gave me a few hours of yours for free along with some incredible instruction and education. I shall use what you taught me for the rest of my life and I will eventually get to the point where my blades are perfectly sharpened!