@OrionDigitalHD It's not hold at any angle, the whole blade,both the edge and the "spine" of the blade are touching the stone simultaneously and then you just drag it across the stone as shown above.
@karlbuttler it depends on many things. How often you use the razor, the quality of steel, how tough your growth, how sharp you like the blade. Usually I'll refresh my razors once every few weeks on a pasted strop and rehone once ever several months.
@CashMoneyMoore depends on how much work needs to be done on the bevel. If you need to rebuild the bevel, sure, you can start at 6k, but it will take FOREVER. If, however, you just need to refresh the edge, starting at 6k would be just fine.
@garthridgeway that's entirely up to you. Depends on what you'd prefer. I've never actually used a 16k stone, so I couldn't offer any opinions there. the paste/strop will probably be much cheaper tho.
@hairyhinkle Finishing off an 8K is perfectly acceptable. I just find there are some razors that won't quite provide nice shaves off the 8K and so need an extra level of keenness.
Here in France, most of are using Norton, the 4/8k wich is a very good product. The belgian coticule (don't buy the extra money for a yellow one, the grey blue one is perfect) is another 'feel', the blade when polished 'glue' slightly to the stone, then you manage how far you go in grit with the same stone.. Please let me now if from your experience any arkansas reach the grain desired for finishing . I love visually the arkansas, that i use for knives
Hello, i do appreciate your intention to details ;) feel not alone . . Did you tried belgian coticule stones ? Easy to find here, you adjust the grit from 4kto 10k with the production of micrograins NATURALY by 'entering' the blade in a stone. Great results, from my opinion, not far from what you do with these. I love your job on leather. I would try now a transluscent arkansas, if i find a good size. Thanks for sharing.
very informative, thanks a lot . Only thing I found amusing was your comment as regards "callouses", to be honest those hands of yours don,t look as if they,ve done any real hard work ever !!!!!
@farinasa no, I never really use a slurry on the norton 8k. It just doesn't feel like it needs it. Maybe because it's not porous like all the other stones.
What "model" are your stones as lee Valley stocks a wide range of stone, i want stones in various grits to sharped straight razors and very finely sharpen and polish the edge on my Cooks knife (im a chef)
And asuming you keep your stones well maintained, you'd save money of stropping compounds. I remember you saying you would finish on a 1 micron compound or something like that, those compounds tend to be relatively expensive, don't they?
Those stones would compeltely eliminate the need for stropping, and seeing as they are very fine it would be unrealistic to maintain your edges with those stones.
Just a thought. Shapton glass stones, very interesting.
@JesusFuckingChrist84 Well if the stones are only use for razors they can probably literally last a lifetime. Diamond pastes can be expensive, but the amount used and the frequency with which repasting needs to occur make the overall cost trivial.
I'd definitely like to get a 10k or 16k shapton glass, but they're expensive. I also find it significantly more convenient to whip out the pasted-paddle rather than having to trouble with whet-stones.
Ah, this is true. For the sake of convenience I think I'd rather go with strops.
I'm just the kinda guy that doesn't want to be like: "Oops, out of diamond paste."
That is why I like stones. ^_^
Also, how often do you strop? Typically before and after to ensure a well-maintained edge and to fight micro oxidation, right? That is what I do with a lot of my carbon steel blades that are intended to be keen, anyways (Not straight razors, don't own any, but would like to. ^^).
I stop on a plain leather strop each time before shaving and on a pasted strop when the blade starts to feel a little dull - usually once every couple of weeks.
i just bought a japanese waterstone. 1000/6000 grit can i finish with 6000? or is that not polished enough to start stropping? i'm most likely obviously new to this, ha. need to start somewhere
@goclick Yes, it's know as 'lapping'. The most common way to do this is acquire a piece of float glass (float glass is VERY flat) and some 800grit or so wet/dry sandpaper. Wet the sandpaper and put it abrasive side up on the glass. Then rub your stone on the sandpaper to make it flat again.
A good tip I got is to draw a basic grid on the hone with pencil. that way you can see which parts are being lapped and if it needs to be further.
@ToxIkWaste Thanks, do the smoother stones wear faster or slower? I use my 600 for my axe, but I've never had a finer stone and am considering getting some for my kitchen knives (I'm not ready to move to a straight razor from my double edges quite yet)
@goclick the rate at which a hone will wear depends on many factors. In short, some just wear faster than others regardless of grit.
FYI for most kitchen knives you're probably fine finishing at 1000 or 2000 grit. You can go higher, but kitchen knives don't usually require razor sharpness. Sushi knives on the other hand, do :)
I read on a classic shaving website that one should never go below 6000 grit when honing a blade. They suggested staying between 8000-10000. I just wanted to get your advice on this because in the the previous videos you used 1000 and 4000 grits.
@mikzyspitlik there really is no firm rule; use whatever is necessary.
If you tried to hone a razor that had no bevel or a damaged bevel with only 6000+ grit, it would take an unbearably long time. As long as you spend time with each progressive grit to smooth the blade from the former grit it should be just fine.
so when you remove your tape it must drop the spine lower fractionally meaning the edge you created no longer contacts the hone? how does that figure? great vid by the way.
Correct, which is why I usually do some strokes on the 4k after removing the tape. The 4k will remove enough steel to bring the edge and spine back into alignment.
Well, at least that's the theory, it's really tough to notice any difference when honing. It's so difference in grade is minute that it may not matter much at all.
The single or 2 strokes back on the 4k breaks the micro edge that forms due to the metal naturally thinning in creating the edge. This microedge is so fine that it folds over under the pressure of shaving and breaks off dulling the razor (stropping also helps remove this edge between sharpenings)
On a day to day basis I usually just use Nivea A/S balm or Proraso. They're both fairly inexpensive, and the nivea you can find anywhere. I have some other nicer stuff I use on special occassions.
Aftershaves are really personal preference though. Just try out some stuff and see what you like.
The nivea is an A/S balm, so it's not quite the same as regular aftershaves. It has a little bit of bite, but I quickly got used to it. The proraso is a true A/S, it stings a little, but I'm more than used to it by now.
Thanks for the great advice Sir. I have already ordered a 8000 grit "Naniwa Superstone" I will definitely invest in a 4000 grit stone sometime in the near future.
Hi ToxIKWaste, I have recently purchased a Dovo Razor, it does not pass the hanging hair test (HHT) and I was wondering what grit honing stone would you recommend to get it super sharp? I have the pasted strop..however it doesn't seem to be doing the job...am I better off with 4000 grit stone? Waiting for your reply, thanks.
if pasted strops aren't working, then you likely need to work the bevel. Since you already have a pasted strop, a 4000/8000 combination stone would make good company for it.
If you just want your razor sharp, then you can just use one of the honing services in the classifieds at straightrazorplace[dot]com. I can assure you that your razor will be shave ready if you use that.
I use a leather strop before every shave (standard straight razor practice).
The razors - like any other blade - will get dull as you use it. After maybe a few dozen shaves I can start to feel it getting a little dull so I 'refresh' the edge, typically with my pasted strops. You can use high grit hones, and, most barber hones are specifically meant for refreshing/retouching as well.
Okay I have not watched the previous videos in full, kind of in a rush, but I was just wondering, do you need to use all three levels of honing blocks? How much do they cost? If you take care of your blade, how ofter will you need to replace it?
ASMR Insanity...
gemarrs 5 days ago
i dont know if i missed something in all of the videos ive watched about honing a straight razor. But what angle is the razor held at when honing?
OrionDigitalHD 3 weeks ago
@OrionDigitalHD It's not hold at any angle, the whole blade,both the edge and the "spine" of the blade are touching the stone simultaneously and then you just drag it across the stone as shown above.
george564as 3 weeks ago
@george564as I see now. thank you :)
OrionDigitalHD 2 weeks ago
How often do you need to hone? Good video set ive learned alot.. Thx
karlbuttler 1 month ago
@karlbuttler it depends on many things. How often you use the razor, the quality of steel, how tough your growth, how sharp you like the blade. Usually I'll refresh my razors once every few weeks on a pasted strop and rehone once ever several months.
ToxIkWaste 1 month ago
Is it necessary to start honing at the 1k? Can you move straight up to say a 6k by using more strokes? Thanks man!
CashMoneyMoore 2 months ago
@CashMoneyMoore depends on how much work needs to be done on the bevel. If you need to rebuild the bevel, sure, you can start at 6k, but it will take FOREVER. If, however, you just need to refresh the edge, starting at 6k would be just fine.
ToxIkWaste 2 months ago
The bob ross of honing
GoLocutus 3 months ago 6
@GoLocutus best thing anyone has ever said about me.
ToxIkWaste 3 months ago 3
Are you Dale Cooper?
manmetpijp 3 months ago
so shuold i get a pasted strop with a .5 micron diamond paste of a 16K stone?
garthridgeway 4 months ago
@garthridgeway that's entirely up to you. Depends on what you'd prefer. I've never actually used a 16k stone, so I couldn't offer any opinions there. the paste/strop will probably be much cheaper tho.
ToxIkWaste 4 months ago
why would he go back to the 4k stone after 8k'ing it??
paikmendez 7 months ago
@hairyhinkle Finishing off an 8K is perfectly acceptable. I just find there are some razors that won't quite provide nice shaves off the 8K and so need an extra level of keenness.
ToxIkWaste 8 months ago
Here in France, most of are using Norton, the 4/8k wich is a very good product. The belgian coticule (don't buy the extra money for a yellow one, the grey blue one is perfect) is another 'feel', the blade when polished 'glue' slightly to the stone, then you manage how far you go in grit with the same stone.. Please let me now if from your experience any arkansas reach the grain desired for finishing . I love visually the arkansas, that i use for knives
metropolitan6C 8 months ago
'attention' to details, i mean . . .
metropolitan6C 8 months ago
Hello, i do appreciate your intention to details ;) feel not alone . . Did you tried belgian coticule stones ? Easy to find here, you adjust the grit from 4kto 10k with the production of micrograins NATURALY by 'entering' the blade in a stone. Great results, from my opinion, not far from what you do with these. I love your job on leather. I would try now a transluscent arkansas, if i find a good size. Thanks for sharing.
metropolitan6C 8 months ago
i love these vids
countzeroads 8 months ago
very informative, thanks a lot . Only thing I found amusing was your comment as regards "callouses", to be honest those hands of yours don,t look as if they,ve done any real hard work ever !!!!!
MrFaceache12008 9 months ago
Are you using a slurry on this one? If not, why?
farinasa 9 months ago
@farinasa no, I never really use a slurry on the norton 8k. It just doesn't feel like it needs it. Maybe because it's not porous like all the other stones.
ToxIkWaste 9 months ago
What "model" are your stones as lee Valley stocks a wide range of stone, i want stones in various grits to sharped straight razors and very finely sharpen and polish the edge on my Cooks knife (im a chef)
tacky183 10 months ago
@tacky183 my 4k/8k is a Norton and the 400/1000 I have is just some generic. Norton's are great stones.
ToxIkWaste 10 months ago
do i have to go all the way from 1k to8k ? it seems like its alot of work for making my straight razor sharp again ?
VDENORM 11 months ago
I remember you said the only reason you stop at 8K is becasue it is the highest grit you currently own.
Ever consider getting a higher grit? They make VERY high grit stones, nearly 4 times finer than that 8K, actually.
JesusFuckingChrist84 1 year ago
@JesusFuckingChrist84 Yeah, I've seen some of those crazy high grit stones. I definitely wouldn't mind picking up a 12k though.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@ToxIkWaste
And asuming you keep your stones well maintained, you'd save money of stropping compounds. I remember you saying you would finish on a 1 micron compound or something like that, those compounds tend to be relatively expensive, don't they?
Those stones would compeltely eliminate the need for stropping, and seeing as they are very fine it would be unrealistic to maintain your edges with those stones.
Just a thought. Shapton glass stones, very interesting.
JesusFuckingChrist84 1 year ago
@JesusFuckingChrist84 Well if the stones are only use for razors they can probably literally last a lifetime. Diamond pastes can be expensive, but the amount used and the frequency with which repasting needs to occur make the overall cost trivial.
I'd definitely like to get a 10k or 16k shapton glass, but they're expensive. I also find it significantly more convenient to whip out the pasted-paddle rather than having to trouble with whet-stones.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@ToxIkWaste
Ah, this is true. For the sake of convenience I think I'd rather go with strops.
I'm just the kinda guy that doesn't want to be like: "Oops, out of diamond paste."
That is why I like stones. ^_^
Also, how often do you strop? Typically before and after to ensure a well-maintained edge and to fight micro oxidation, right? That is what I do with a lot of my carbon steel blades that are intended to be keen, anyways (Not straight razors, don't own any, but would like to. ^^).
JesusFuckingChrist84 1 year ago
@JesusFuckingChrist84
I stop on a plain leather strop each time before shaving and on a pasted strop when the blade starts to feel a little dull - usually once every couple of weeks.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
i just bought a japanese waterstone. 1000/6000 grit can i finish with 6000? or is that not polished enough to start stropping? i'm most likely obviously new to this, ha. need to start somewhere
killercorps85 1 year ago
@killercorps85 6000 maybe be a little rough. Personally, I'd definitely go higher.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
how much did your razor cost?
juggernautiscool 1 year ago
@juggernautiscool I forgot, but I don't think this particular one cost anymore than $30. I got it cheap off ebay.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
Do you do anything to keep your stones flat? I've found my 600 has worn down in the middle a lot over the last couple years.
goclick 1 year ago
@goclick Yes, it's know as 'lapping'. The most common way to do this is acquire a piece of float glass (float glass is VERY flat) and some 800grit or so wet/dry sandpaper. Wet the sandpaper and put it abrasive side up on the glass. Then rub your stone on the sandpaper to make it flat again.
A good tip I got is to draw a basic grid on the hone with pencil. that way you can see which parts are being lapped and if it needs to be further.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@ToxIkWaste Thanks, do the smoother stones wear faster or slower? I use my 600 for my axe, but I've never had a finer stone and am considering getting some for my kitchen knives (I'm not ready to move to a straight razor from my double edges quite yet)
goclick 1 year ago
@goclick the rate at which a hone will wear depends on many factors. In short, some just wear faster than others regardless of grit.
FYI for most kitchen knives you're probably fine finishing at 1000 or 2000 grit. You can go higher, but kitchen knives don't usually require razor sharpness. Sushi knives on the other hand, do :)
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
Wouldn't removing the tape change your angle?
uhoopla 1 year ago
I read on a classic shaving website that one should never go below 6000 grit when honing a blade. They suggested staying between 8000-10000. I just wanted to get your advice on this because in the the previous videos you used 1000 and 4000 grits.
mikzyspitlik 1 year ago
@mikzyspitlik there really is no firm rule; use whatever is necessary.
If you tried to hone a razor that had no bevel or a damaged bevel with only 6000+ grit, it would take an unbearably long time. As long as you spend time with each progressive grit to smooth the blade from the former grit it should be just fine.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
D'oh, i should have known, Thanks , time I did some shopping, but I did get a decent edge with my arkansas black
ZenSpider40 1 year ago
Where do you get your honing stones?
ZenSpider40 1 year ago
@ZenSpider40 Lee Valley Tools
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
I've noticed that most Straight Razor Honing videos are made by dudes from Canada, what's that aboot, eh?
5 stars.
Lizardking623 2 years ago
i guess we're just the awesome :D
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago 2
@Lizardking623 they can't afford regular razors cause their Gov. rapes them in Taxes
Greenmarine6 1 year ago
so when you remove your tape it must drop the spine lower fractionally meaning the edge you created no longer contacts the hone? how does that figure? great vid by the way.
bearwoodcarpentry 2 years ago
Correct, which is why I usually do some strokes on the 4k after removing the tape. The 4k will remove enough steel to bring the edge and spine back into alignment.
Well, at least that's the theory, it's really tough to notice any difference when honing. It's so difference in grade is minute that it may not matter much at all.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
I ordered a 4k/8k water hone from Lee Valley and it came in today used it love it!!!
ddrummzz 2 years ago
I'm a barber(just started)was wondering if you were?you would make a good one:)
ddrummzz 2 years ago
Why would you create a nice smooth edge on the 8k then go back to the 4k? Its a waste of time and effort!
Christoff87 2 years ago
The single or 2 strokes back on the 4k breaks the micro edge that forms due to the metal naturally thinning in creating the edge. This microedge is so fine that it folds over under the pressure of shaving and breaks off dulling the razor (stropping also helps remove this edge between sharpenings)
eyegoldeneye 2 years ago
Check out pyramid honing on Straight Razor Place....its a more effective and faster/ full proof method.
BiologyGuy1 2 years ago
Which aftershave would you recommend?
wallmartkiller 2 years ago
On a day to day basis I usually just use Nivea A/S balm or Proraso. They're both fairly inexpensive, and the nivea you can find anywhere. I have some other nicer stuff I use on special occassions.
Aftershaves are really personal preference though. Just try out some stuff and see what you like.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Doesn't Nivea burn though(alcohol)?
wallmartkiller 2 years ago
The nivea is an A/S balm, so it's not quite the same as regular aftershaves. It has a little bit of bite, but I quickly got used to it. The proraso is a true A/S, it stings a little, but I'm more than used to it by now.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Thanks for the great advice Sir. I have already ordered a 8000 grit "Naniwa Superstone" I will definitely invest in a 4000 grit stone sometime in the near future.
MASH2222 2 years ago
Hi ToxIKWaste, I have recently purchased a Dovo Razor, it does not pass the hanging hair test (HHT) and I was wondering what grit honing stone would you recommend to get it super sharp? I have the pasted strop..however it doesn't seem to be doing the job...am I better off with 4000 grit stone? Waiting for your reply, thanks.
MASH2222 2 years ago
if pasted strops aren't working, then you likely need to work the bevel. Since you already have a pasted strop, a 4000/8000 combination stone would make good company for it.
If you just want your razor sharp, then you can just use one of the honing services in the classifieds at straightrazorplace[dot]com. I can assure you that your razor will be shave ready if you use that.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Once you get the blade to this point, do you just use the strop to renew the edge or do you have to go back to the stone from time to time?
007380 2 years ago
I use a leather strop before every shave (standard straight razor practice).
The razors - like any other blade - will get dull as you use it. After maybe a few dozen shaves I can start to feel it getting a little dull so I 'refresh' the edge, typically with my pasted strops. You can use high grit hones, and, most barber hones are specifically meant for refreshing/retouching as well.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Okay I have not watched the previous videos in full, kind of in a rush, but I was just wondering, do you need to use all three levels of honing blocks? How much do they cost? If you take care of your blade, how ofter will you need to replace it?
GShepardP 2 years ago
What grit of hone to start on depends on how much the bevel needs to be worked.
the gist of it is:
1000 grit: complete bevel rebuild
4000 grit: will remove some steel, but slowly
8000+ grit: polishing
Hones come in a wide variety of types and grits and can cost anywhere from $20 to $200 (and more for specialty hones).
A good condition straight razor can easily last for decades if properly taken care of. Hones as well.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Is the spine flat against the hone?
traffic44 2 years ago
Yes. The spine should never be lifted off the hone when making a stroke.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
thanks for the demo!
TallGabe30 2 years ago