How I Hone A Smiling Razor (Videos)

[Philadelph]

Hey guys- I rarely post in the honing forum, but figured this is relevant... I am actually finding I like the honing forums more and more lol, anyway...

I made a couple of honing videos dealing specifically with honing smiling razors (and more specifically, the ones I make). Thought I'd share them here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCCt4TSmoCo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da42vkYXmSE

 

[superbleu]

Thanks for making and sharing the video Alex. Good to see you post here.

 

[Wid]

I watched these just the other day, enjoyed them quite a bit. Thanks for posting.

 

[superbleu]

Mark, I think we should start a honing sticky.

Alex, did you forget you were gonna be on camera, you forgot to shave.

 

[Philadelph]

Alex, did you forget you were gonna be on camera, you forgot to shave.

Hah- I thought about that! Truth is- I'm one of those guys who only shaves when I need to. If I didn't ever have to shave (and wouldn't grow a beard!), I probably wouldn't. I like all of the other things about razors themselves and the things related to them more than the shaving itself.

 

[jeness]

Big thanks for the video, very good indeed. Its good to see that im not the only one who uses two hand to guide the razor so it sits good on the hone. BTW that scope you used, what was it?

 

[Philadelph]

BTW that scope you used, what was it?

It was one of these: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2179604

It works great once you figure out HOW, when, and WHY to use it. The batteries tend to die quickly though. I wouldn't suggest using it without knowing how to otherwise test an edge- it shouldn't be a substitute for honing knowledge and experience... just a tool to help.

 

[Pkrankow]

Helpful, thank you. Do these techniques work well with more "normal" edge designs?

Phil

 

[azmark]

Thanks Alex! That's great stuff to see so folks can learn several methods and also that you CAN have a minimal hone set up

I've never honed a smiling razor and pretty much that's the only reason I've never picked one up. But informative posts builds quite a bit of confidence.

 

[Loric]

Thanks Alax, I had been dreading honing a smiling razor, and like karma you show up with such a helpful video.

 

[Philadelph]

Do these techniques work well with more "normal" edge designs?

Phil

There isn't really a yes or no answer to this question. I'd say the technique/s CAN be used successfully on a normal edge, but they can also mess things up if you don't pay attention or really know what you're doing. I tend to use narrower hones, and actually the 1k in that video is now 2 narrow hones as well lol. This way, the toe of the razor isn't always in contact with the hone- constant contact at the toe along with unnecessary pressure would result in uneven wear. I do use this technique or modifications of it (not so much a "rolling" x) on normal "straight" razors. It really is true that there isn't one correct way to do it- some things work better for some people. Don't be afraid to experiment with this stuff on razors that aren't valuable/don't mean a lot to you- it's the best way to figure out what will be your favorite techniques in certain situations.

 

[azmark]

Mark, I think we should start a honing sticky.

I just added it to the honing sticky Luc has.

 

[natchez]

Thanks for posting these videos they are very instructive and well done!

 

[SliceOfLife]

You look so damn young. And that razor is a stunner. Watching now.

 

[Philadelph]

You look so damn young.

I think I'm in my twenties at the moment.

 

[JonnyAngel]

Nice videos! Gonna watch both later tonight to see if I can pick up something new. In addition, I like the carbon fiber scales you do.

 

[fine wine]

OUT STANDING YOUNG MAN................OUT STANDING

 

[Tak]

I just wanted to say thanks for these vids. I have a smiley razor that I love using but have been dreading the day it needed a touch up. These videos are and will be a huge help when that time comes. Thanks!

 

[Doc226]

I just found these and they are great