First Attempt at Honing - Success!

[mgiah]

Started with an e-bay 'special' which had a blade in pretty good shape except for one tiny nick in the edge.

Equipment included -
RadioShack $10 microscope - this was a huge help! I wouldn't have seen a couple defects in the blade without this.

DMT 450ish to correct the bevel/fix issue with the blade
Waterman 1K/6K Japanese water stone
Barber Hone
Strop kit (balsa/leather) from WhippedDog

It took a while to get the bevel set, but once it looked good under the microscope, the rest was just patience and careful technique to get a shaveable edge.

HHT = pass

Seems like it shaves as well as the shave-ready straight I bought. I'm still a noob when it comes to shaving with a straight, so my techique

I also managed a pretty bloody nick I couldn't even feel during the test shave -

Just wanted to say thanks to you guys for all the great info on this forum. I wouldn't have had a clue where to start without you.

[O.G.]

I'd like to add my thanks also to the members here also. I like yourself had great success after my first honing attempts-with a LPB. Congratulations to you also. I thought it would have been alot harder but with the patience of the members, success was had. Congrat's again, and thank you for sharing.

[Old Man Army]

I would never have thought of the microscope, but it makes sense. I am in the process of restoring three straights and intend to sharpen them myself. I've been reading this forum extensively. Thanks again for the great tip!