My first successful honing.

**Zanzibarstar** · 02-16-2009, 02:36 PM

I just spent most of my day cleaning up an Ebay razor, and bringing it to shave-ready status, and let me just say it was a lot of work! More than I had expected, but it shaves great! And I'm not ashamed to admit I'm proud of myself, it being my first succesful honing.
It was pretty tarnished with a fair amount of pitting, so I did quite a bit of hand-sanding with 150 and 220 grit sandpaper, as well as a little grinding and more sanding with the Dremel. After a bit of polishing, I moved to the 1000 grit stone. It probably took 200-300 passes to establish the bevel. Then on to a combination blue/yellow coticule. Another 150 passes on both sides, and it was finally shave ready.
I was actually a little surprised that it really shaved so well! I had my other straight on deck just in case it wasn't working, but I never had to make that switch. It gave a great shave, although I do have a touch of burn right now. I'm not sure if that is due to the razor itself, or to my handling of it.
Nevertheless, I'm quite pleased, and ready to attack the 8 other Ebay specials that require similar attention. Now, if only I can find the time!

**LameEagle** · 02-16-2009, 03:10 PM

Congrats. I have taken two eBay beaters from spreading butter to passing the HHT. It does provide a sense of accomplishment.

**Sticky** · 02-16-2009, 08:07 PM

Congratulations on the honing and shave.

**Zanzibarstar** · 02-17-2009, 03:14 AM

I forgot to mention...I wanted to give thanks and props to Dave(heavyduty) for his video series on honing. This helped me immensely! Before, I had relied on Lynn's section on honing on his DVD, but it had actually made me afraid of overhoning, so I really never established a bevel on my earlier attempts. The "Less Is More" philosophy is great and all, but as a newbie, I was too nervous I would end up doing more damage than good.
This time around, watching Dave's videos really helped me to realize that to set the bevel can take considerable time and passes.
So thanks Dave!

**Upshall** · 02-17-2009, 11:58 AM

Practice makes perfect!!!

**manlymanbeard** · 02-17-2009, 11:37 PM

good job! honing scares me too.... i have two cut throats that need it, but i'm thinking i'll get someone else to hone them for me.

**Sticky** · 02-18-2009, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by manlymanbeard

good job! honing scares me too.... i have two cut throats that need it, but i'm thinking i'll get someone else to hone them for me.

Send the best one out for sharpening (then use it as a reference) and use the other to learn on. It's really not that hard to learn. Just watch Heavydutysg135's videos and read Joel's Interactive Guide to Straight Razor Shaving before starting. Go slow and at your own pace. The only way to learn is to do it. Honing can be fun once you learn how.