Hey i was wondering if you could hone my razor just to get it started im having a hell of a time and i am getting frustrated with it i have a 1000 4 6 8 stones and 10k paste.
Also, I'm not sure of the wisdom of a tapped spine. I'm all for preserving the blade, which is why I don't recommend honing that often. But if when you do hone you are not removing the same amount of metal from the spine that you do from the edge, I would expect that over time you would gradually change the angle of the cut. This, in turn, I would expect to lead to a progressively less sharp blade that wold require honing ever more often.
No one will read this, cuz it will be near the end, but let me offer a word of advice. For 2 years after buying my straight razor, it never came in contact with anything other than my face, my towel, and my canvas and leather strop. Every shave was fantastic, closer than any disposable ever could get. Only after blunting after blunting a bit of the edge on my sink have i had to learn how to hone. Buy a ready-honed blade (Dovo has been great for me), master the strop, hone only when you have to.
so I am just getting into straight razor shaving and honing. I originally sharpened my straight razor the same way I sharpen my pocket knives. I achieved a rather good edge on it and was able to shave rather well ( I can do this with any of my pocket knives), but the blade would not pass the hanging hair test. so i watched this vid and tried out my skill with a waterstone (1,000-6,000 grit) EPIC FAIL, it is not even near the sharpness of my other method. please help!
After a few months of research, I can confidently say that this is one the most thorough and informative sharpening instructional video series on YouTube.
Well done sir!
Just as small pointer... it is not the epidural that developes into the "callous" on our skin. It is the top layer of the epidermis called stratum corneum. Please take no offense.
Great video. I purchased an old H. Boker & Co. razor from an antique shop. It is dull and not shiny. Of course, it needs sharpening. But you mentioned how you shined up the old razor you purchased, how did you do that?
@Bunkie112 depends on what kind of shape it's in. I'll start with 400 grit sand paper for razors in worst shape while some only require a little bit of polish.
i have a nice straight razor & strop...but i dont own a hone...do i need one?..or does stroping sharpin it?..ive never had one with a strop.. help plzz
@dezniqqadez It varies by type and grit. The higher grits are typically more expensive. My chinese 220/1000 only cost about $30 but my Norton 4000/8000 cost $80 or so.
hey i was wondering if you could answer this question for me i was considering getting a straight razor but the few people i have spoken to told me it is illegal to own them i curently live in USA, NC can you tell me if they are or not. thanks
@soilwork8935 I've never heard of them being illegal anywhere in the USA. However, I don't know the laws, so I don't know. In any case, I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble for having one for shaving purposes.
Im a 17 year old just introduced into the world of straight razors. I just came by my 1st straight razor and I have watched these videos previously. My straight razor has a slight curve in the cutting edge so that if i were to move the razor back and forth keeping my pressure even i would change the profile. My question is this a difference found in some straight razors? Is it a mistake made by someone who did not know how to properly hone the razor? (the razor is used) the cutting edge appears
Great vid series, thanks. I'm new to straight edge razors and have a question if anyone can help... I have a razor that has some engraving on the blade with gold, will honing on certain wetstones damage this at all? Any help would be appreciated
@ToxIkWaste Brilliant, thanks for advice. I can't afford several whetstones at once so I will only be buying 1 at first. would you recommend an 8000 at first? Thanks again for the advice
I suppose there is a tendency among those of us who are not used to spending a lot of time in front of a camera to rattle on way too long with irrelevancies and preliminaries, and this tends to incline people to get impatient and switch it off or find another. Come to the point. Forget about apologizing for the camera. Do not incorporate product reviews into an instructional video, but some brief identification might be useful. Tell us just what we need to know and get on with it.
@deanandsha I recommend you check out straightrazorplace[dot]com. The classifieds there are pretty solid and you can probably find some good deals. The forums are also an excellent source of info.
You can always try ebay, but it takes some experience to be able to pick out the good blades. I also wouldn't trust ebay if you wanted anything shave-ready.
I have a Kreiger which i have tried to sharpen on a 250/1000 combo, and a 4000. I can see where i've definitly changed the blade, but it's nowhere near sharp enough to shave with (it's not even shaving hair off of my arm with pressure).
Since i've gone over all grits at least a 100 times on each side, what would you suggest?
Dude!! Awesome series, it has helped me a lot. I do have a question, I have a new razor that I bought and from the research I have done, is most likely not shave ready. Hince the research on honing. Do you think that I can use a 8000 or even 10,000 to work to shave ready status? My thoughts are to buy a combo stone with a 4000 and 8000 just in case I need to really work the edge at another point, any thoughts on this? Thanks again for the great informative series, KC
If the bevel (edge) is in good shape, a shaveable edge can be achieved off 8000grit. However, if you need to alter/rebuild the bevel, you'll probably need 4000 grit or lower to do so.
The Norton 4000/8000 combination hone is a great general purpose hone, very well suited if it's you're first hone.
I have a razor, a strop...EVERYTHING but the hone. Where can I buy (other than online) a good water stone?? Every place I call acts like I'm speaking another language.
I used to do restoration and honing services for others, but I don't have as much time to do so anymore. straightrazorplace[dot]com has plenty of people who will though.
It depends on the amount of corrosion. If there is pitting, you'll need some fine sandpaper to remove that. Depending on the amount, anywhere from 200-800 grit. If it's just some patina and tarnish, than a good polish (MAAS, simichrome, etc.) should work. If you use polish, be sure to get the paste kind, not the liquid. The pastes usually come in tubes and have the micro-abrasive particles that will do a better job.
For stropping (as opposed to honing or polishing). A flat leather surface should be used ie. a strop :)
There are what's known as paddle strops which have abrasives such as diamond compound that can be used to polish a razor once a proper bevel (edge) has been established.
Think about slip stones, they tend to be the best way. Fine sandpaper will do the same thing, but cut it into small squares (maybe 5mm x 10mm) and rub it with one finger. These things take time to do properly, if you don't have patience, then don't start.
Third, I know a community of straight razor users that beg to differ. I also have a feeling I wouldn't have been able to sell several dozen razors to several dozen satisfied customers if I didn't know how to hone.
Hey i was wondering if you could hone my razor just to get it started im having a hell of a time and i am getting frustrated with it i have a 1000 4 6 8 stones and 10k paste.
armyknight8147 2 weeks ago
we're a minute into the video and you haven't said one thing about the sharpening process.
thebp9999 5 months ago
Also, I'm not sure of the wisdom of a tapped spine. I'm all for preserving the blade, which is why I don't recommend honing that often. But if when you do hone you are not removing the same amount of metal from the spine that you do from the edge, I would expect that over time you would gradually change the angle of the cut. This, in turn, I would expect to lead to a progressively less sharp blade that wold require honing ever more often.
Karbula 1 year ago
No one will read this, cuz it will be near the end, but let me offer a word of advice. For 2 years after buying my straight razor, it never came in contact with anything other than my face, my towel, and my canvas and leather strop. Every shave was fantastic, closer than any disposable ever could get. Only after blunting after blunting a bit of the edge on my sink have i had to learn how to hone. Buy a ready-honed blade (Dovo has been great for me), master the strop, hone only when you have to.
Karbula 1 year ago
so I am just getting into straight razor shaving and honing. I originally sharpened my straight razor the same way I sharpen my pocket knives. I achieved a rather good edge on it and was able to shave rather well ( I can do this with any of my pocket knives), but the blade would not pass the hanging hair test. so i watched this vid and tried out my skill with a waterstone (1,000-6,000 grit) EPIC FAIL, it is not even near the sharpness of my other method. please help!
andrewmstokes 1 year ago
After a few months of research, I can confidently say that this is one the most thorough and informative sharpening instructional video series on YouTube.
Well done sir!
Just as small pointer... it is not the epidural that developes into the "callous" on our skin. It is the top layer of the epidermis called stratum corneum. Please take no offense.
Commando0333 1 year ago
Great video. I purchased an old H. Boker & Co. razor from an antique shop. It is dull and not shiny. Of course, it needs sharpening. But you mentioned how you shined up the old razor you purchased, how did you do that?
Bunkie112 1 year ago
@Bunkie112 depends on what kind of shape it's in. I'll start with 400 grit sand paper for razors in worst shape while some only require a little bit of polish.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
i have a nice straight razor & strop...but i dont own a hone...do i need one?..or does stroping sharpin it?..ive never had one with a strop.. help plzz
dezniqqadez 1 year ago
@dezniqqadez A bare strop only serves to align the steel of the edge of a razor right before you use it. It won't sharpen or polish the razor at all.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@ToxIkWaste thanks man.. how much do hones run for?
dezniqqadez 1 year ago
@dezniqqadez It varies by type and grit. The higher grits are typically more expensive. My chinese 220/1000 only cost about $30 but my Norton 4000/8000 cost $80 or so.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
Would a steel sharpener cut it, so to speak?
touchandgod 5 months ago
hey i was wondering if you could answer this question for me i was considering getting a straight razor but the few people i have spoken to told me it is illegal to own them i curently live in USA, NC can you tell me if they are or not. thanks
soilwork8935 1 year ago
@soilwork8935 I've never heard of them being illegal anywhere in the USA. However, I don't know the laws, so I don't know. In any case, I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble for having one for shaving purposes.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@soilwork8935 its not illegal to own one...but i beleve it is to shave somebody's head without barbers licence..im not positive tho.
dezniqqadez 1 year ago
to be perfectly uniform.
obertin16 1 year ago
Im a 17 year old just introduced into the world of straight razors. I just came by my 1st straight razor and I have watched these videos previously. My straight razor has a slight curve in the cutting edge so that if i were to move the razor back and forth keeping my pressure even i would change the profile. My question is this a difference found in some straight razors? Is it a mistake made by someone who did not know how to properly hone the razor? (the razor is used) the cutting edge appears
obertin16 1 year ago
Where is the easiest place to buy the norton 4000/8000 combo stone?
tonysoccer14 1 year ago
@tonysoccer14 try lie-neilson(dot)com if in australia (dot)au as well good prices for product and shipping
DarkLordVincent 1 year ago
Great vid series, thanks. I'm new to straight edge razors and have a question if anyone can help... I have a razor that has some engraving on the blade with gold, will honing on certain wetstones damage this at all? Any help would be appreciated
cookieinthewoods 1 year ago
@cookieinthewoods you're good to hone. Honing only affects the bevel (edge), and to a less extent, the spine of a razor.
Just don't use any polish on the gold wash. Most polishes will quite quickly remove it.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
@ToxIkWaste Brilliant, thanks for advice. I can't afford several whetstones at once so I will only be buying 1 at first. would you recommend an 8000 at first? Thanks again for the advice
cookieinthewoods 1 year ago
@cookieinthewoods The norton 4000/8000 combination stone is probably the most versatile stone. It was my first one.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
The camera is still good.
warman0712 1 year ago
Stupid shit, we don't care where you sit just show us how to hone a dam blade
6Deuce1 1 year ago
I suppose there is a tendency among those of us who are not used to spending a lot of time in front of a camera to rattle on way too long with irrelevancies and preliminaries, and this tends to incline people to get impatient and switch it off or find another. Come to the point. Forget about apologizing for the camera. Do not incorporate product reviews into an instructional video, but some brief identification might be useful. Tell us just what we need to know and get on with it.
acbulgin2 1 year ago
Not to be mean but ur vid would be more enjoyable if you toss everything before 1 min out.
lFlash4 1 year ago
Thank you.
deanandsha 1 year ago
Might I ask what you would suggest someone who's new to this kind of thing.
I was thinking i wouldn't want to learn on an expensive blade, so was giving consideration to cost.
Sorry about the grammar, i've had a long day and am barely able to keep my head up.
deanandsha 1 year ago
@deanandsha I recommend you check out straightrazorplace[dot]com. The classifieds there are pretty solid and you can probably find some good deals. The forums are also an excellent source of info.
You can always try ebay, but it takes some experience to be able to pick out the good blades. I also wouldn't trust ebay if you wanted anything shave-ready.
ToxIkWaste 1 year ago
Uh oh, kreiger's not good?
deanandsha 1 year ago
mark 1 Amway spray bottle?
years old
bearwoodcarpentry 1 year ago
I think i just saw my answer. 8000 min to shave eh?
deanandsha 1 year ago
I have a Kreiger which i have tried to sharpen on a 250/1000 combo, and a 4000. I can see where i've definitly changed the blade, but it's nowhere near sharp enough to shave with (it's not even shaving hair off of my arm with pressure).
Since i've gone over all grits at least a 100 times on each side, what would you suggest?
Dean
deanandsha 1 year ago
@deanandsha You may never get a Kreiger "shave ready"
ben99s 1 year ago
Dude!! Awesome series, it has helped me a lot. I do have a question, I have a new razor that I bought and from the research I have done, is most likely not shave ready. Hince the research on honing. Do you think that I can use a 8000 or even 10,000 to work to shave ready status? My thoughts are to buy a combo stone with a 4000 and 8000 just in case I need to really work the edge at another point, any thoughts on this? Thanks again for the great informative series, KC
kchighlife 2 years ago
If the bevel (edge) is in good shape, a shaveable edge can be achieved off 8000grit. However, if you need to alter/rebuild the bevel, you'll probably need 4000 grit or lower to do so.
The Norton 4000/8000 combination hone is a great general purpose hone, very well suited if it's you're first hone.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
That's really what I thought but, I didn't want to assume. Thanks again man!
kchighlife 2 years ago
what kind of raxor is the one your working on the black handled one?
unnamedagent 2 years ago
@unnamedagent It's a Bismarck. I say it in the video. They're alright.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Great videos, very helpfull and inspirering.
mokujingris1 2 years ago
how much do u charge for a razor??
xENKOx1GuageX 2 years ago
@xENKOx1GuageX a good one should aproximatively 70-100$
PUG35747 2 years ago
I have a razor, a strop...EVERYTHING but the hone. Where can I buy (other than online) a good water stone?? Every place I call acts like I'm speaking another language.
joshcheney 2 years ago
I'm not sure, it depends on where you live and what's around. See if you can find some word working stores.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Most places dont carry the hones needed for straight razors. You either need to find a knife superstore (House of Blades) or order online.
BiologyGuy1 2 years ago
Good information. Is this something you do for customers, or just yourself. If you do it for business, what's the information?
xafrost 2 years ago
I used to do restoration and honing services for others, but I don't have as much time to do so anymore. straightrazorplace[dot]com has plenty of people who will though.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
great series.. big thanks.. are you by any chance located in vancouver?
kingofliss1 2 years ago
Nope, I'm over in Toronto
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
Hello i have a question: after how many shaves do you need to honn the razor?
noitora95 2 years ago
depends. When ever it starts to feel uncomfortable is about it.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
actually its a bad idea to tape your spine. you want the same wear on your spine as you do the razor, so it keeps the same angle of concave.
moonstomper13 2 years ago
Taping is fine. I can say this having honed razors probably near a hundred times already.
ToxIkWaste 2 years ago
did he die???
EMAN182x44 2 years ago
Toxlk Waste:
You said you polished up the blade, one of my razors came from a antique shop, and is a bit corroded. Can I ask what you would use to buff this out?
Cheers
davidcarr3 4 years ago
It depends on the amount of corrosion. If there is pitting, you'll need some fine sandpaper to remove that. Depending on the amount, anywhere from 200-800 grit. If it's just some patina and tarnish, than a good polish (MAAS, simichrome, etc.) should work. If you use polish, be sure to get the paste kind, not the liquid. The pastes usually come in tubes and have the micro-abrasive particles that will do a better job.
ToxIkWaste 4 years ago
So could I use some of the diamond compound i got for stropping my razor?
davidcarr3 3 years ago
For stropping (as opposed to honing or polishing). A flat leather surface should be used ie. a strop :)
There are what's known as paddle strops which have abrasives such as diamond compound that can be used to polish a razor once a proper bevel (edge) has been established.
ToxIkWaste 3 years ago
Think about slip stones, they tend to be the best way. Fine sandpaper will do the same thing, but cut it into small squares (maybe 5mm x 10mm) and rub it with one finger. These things take time to do properly, if you don't have patience, then don't start.
hkrobin 3 years ago
First, please use english that makes sense.
Second, please don't spew unfounded idiocy.
Third, I know a community of straight razor users that beg to differ. I also have a feeling I wouldn't have been able to sell several dozen razors to several dozen satisfied customers if I didn't know how to hone.
ToxIkWaste 4 years ago
Read the video notes on the right for where to find the rest. I would have put them on youtube, but some exceeded file/time limits.
ToxIkWaste 4 years ago
and then...? What happened to the rest of the lesson?!
briandoom 4 years ago