Honemeister Contacts

**moses** · 11-28-2006, 05:07 PM

I thought, given the usual advice to newbies to have their first razor honed by an expert, it might be usual to start a thread to compiled names and some sort of locating information for various honemeisters who 1) are known and respected as such, and 2) are ameanable to requests to hone up a razor in exchange for a reasonable fee.

Of course, as everyone points out, a good way to go is always buying a pre-honed used razor from someone you trust to be a good edge on it (what I did), buying a new razor from Tony Miller and asking him to hone it, and buying a new razor from Classic Shaving and having them send it by Lynn for a hone before it gets to you.

But for a newbie who has a razor and wants it honed, who might they go to? The more options, the better, I figure. Especially in the UK/EU, since most of the names I've heard are based stateside.

-Mo

**GeeQue** · 11-28-2006, 05:37 PM

For lack of this type of information, I have postponed the purchase of a straight razor for the time being. Sounds like an excellent suggestion Mo.

**Scorpio** · 11-28-2006, 06:53 PM

I know of some:

Joe Chandler
Lynn Abrams
Randydance
El Alamein
Tony Miller
I can't remember the names but I am sure there are some members here at B&B that will also hone you razor.

check SRP(Straight Razor Place.com) and you will find the above names as well as others. I have 2 going to Joe Chandler at this moment. Cost may vary but if you are new I recommend to have them hone by a honemeister and concentrate in learning the shaving technique. Once honed all you need is a strop to keep the blade shave ready. Hope this helps.

Raf

**rtaylor61** · 11-28-2006, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Scorpio

I know of some:

Joe Chandler
Lynn Abrams
Randydance
El Alamein
Tony Miller
I can't remember the names but I am sure there are some members here at B&B that will also hone you razor.

check SRP(Straight Razor Place.com) and you will find the above names as well as others. I have 2 going to Joe Chandler at this moment. Cost may vary but if you are new I recommend to have them hone by a honemeister and concentrate in learning the shaving technique. Once honed all you need is a strop to keep the blade shave ready. Hope this helps.

Raf

You mean Joel?

Randy

**LX_Emergency** · 11-29-2006, 12:55 AM

I'm in europe....might be a bit quicker than sending it to the states.

**joel** · 11-29-2006, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

I'm in europe....might be a bit quicker than sending it to the states.

I can attest to his honing skills gents.... just received a TI Frameback from this fine gentleman - and it arrived pre-honed, and sharp as the dickens all the way from the netherlands. Even with that long trip, all it needed was a light stropping.

Well done my friend!

**joel** · 11-29-2006, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by vschwager

Dear UK Shavers

If you have a dull razor needing sharpening (provided that the blade is not irremediably damaged), I will sharpen it for 15 GBP including return postage. Regrettably I do not sharpen All Stainless Steel Razors. I will also try to repair minor nicks on the blade, where possible.

If I cannot get it sharp or serviceable again, I will not charge you anything and return it to you at no cost.

Vincent Schwager

Before you consider using Vincent's services, I suggest you read all of his posts, and some of our well establish members posts to his comments. Unfortunaly - Vincent has deleted some of his posts, however - the skinny is - if you are in the U.K. and need a razor sharpened - I would suggest sticking with LX_Emergency.

Just my .02

**Tony Miller** · 11-29-2006, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the inclusion to the list of Honemeisters but I must decline. I rarley hone razors now days prefering yo use the services of an SRP and B&B member, EL, who far surpasses my abilities. While I did many a razor the past 2 years I find it far better to let a real expert handle this for me now.

All the razors I stock have already been honed by EL and I am glad to handle any requests for honing but do pass them on to him.

Tony

**AFDavis11** · 11-29-2006, 01:48 PM

I am not known or respected for my honing abilities but would certainly be available to any forum member if desired. I usually stick with providing one-on-one instruction in honing, stropping, lathering, etc. for individuals in person. These classes usually take about 2-3 hours. Some of my "clients" have been SRP members . . . I never charge for my services.

I prefer instructing members as I think its a better long term investment for them, but honing isn't a problem if ever requested. I do insist that individuals pay shipping to and from my residence though.

**rtaylor61** · 11-29-2006, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I am not known or respected for my honing abilities but would certainly be available to any forum member if desired. I usually stick with providing one-on-one instruction in honing, stropping, lathering, etc. for individuals in person. These classes usually take about 2-3 hours. Some of my "clients" have been SRP members . . . I never charge for my services.

I prefer instructing members as I think its a better long term investment for them, but honing isn't a problem if ever requested. I do insist that individuals pay shipping to and from my residence though.

What Alan meant to say is that he is not known for his honing at B&B! The man knows his stuff...I just never understood putting ash on the linen strop!

Randy

**AFDavis11** · 11-29-2006, 02:32 PM

Why thank you Randy . . . sometimes the old secrets are the best secrets.... shhhhhhhh ....

**vschwager** · 11-29-2006, 03:11 PM

Hello Joel

All of my posts are still there, I have deleted only posts I double entered, except the one regarding my honing services which I have removed permanently from this website.

I stick to what I have stated in my posts. I am sure that LX_Emergency can provide an excellent service and I wish him good work. As for me I will consider it a success if any of the razors I sell will not need me or anyone else's services to be used and maintained.

Vincent

Originally Posted by joel

Before you consider using Vincent's services, I suggest you read all of his posts, and some of our well establish members posts to his comments. Unfortunaly - Vincent has deleted some of his posts, however - the skinny is - if you are in the U.K. and need a razor sharpened - I would suggest sticking with LX_Emergency.

Just my .02

**LX_Emergency** · 11-29-2006, 11:23 PM

I'm flattered by the kind words. I'd love to be of service. You can mail,PM or even call me (but you'll have to PM for the number first :)).

**rtaylor61** · 11-29-2006, 11:46 PM

For those who don't know, Alex (LX_Emergency) is a very active member at SRP.

Randy

**AandW** · 12-01-2006, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

The man knows his stuff...I just never understood putting ash on the linen strop!

Randy

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Why thank you Randy . . . sometimes the old secrets are the best secrets.... shhhhhhhh ....

Please, do tell.

**rtaylor61** · 12-01-2006, 10:14 PM

Bruce,

Over at SRP there was some "experimenting" going on with just exactly what you could apply to the linen strop to make it a more "effective" strop. Alan used, as I understand it, "ashes". Like from the fireplace. I have heard of using wax, chalk, and even Turtle Wax, but that was the first application of ash I had ever heard of. Regardless, I would have no hesitation of sending a razor to Alan for honing.

Randy

**randydance062449** · 12-02-2006, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I am not known or respected for my honing abilities but would certainly be available to any forum member if desired. I usually stick with providing one-on-one instruction in honing, stropping, lathering, etc. for individuals in person. These classes usually take about 2-3 hours. Some of my "clients" have been SRP members . . . I never charge for my services.

I prefer instructing members as I think its a better long term investment for them, but honing isn't a problem if ever requested. I do insist that individuals pay shipping to and from my residence though.

Hello all,

I would not hesitate to recommend Alan to anyone who needs help with honing. He has provided superb counsel to others over on SRP and I have never heard a bad word from others about his honing services. He knows what he is doing.

**randydance062449** · 12-02-2006, 12:57 AM

Bill Ellis should also be on your list. I do not know if he routinely provides honing services but it would be worth an email.

There are several others who will hone a razor for someone but they keep a low profile. They are not in it for the business.
Just post a request over on SRP in the honing forum if you need that service.

**randydance062449** · 12-02-2006, 01:04 AM

I am no longer available as a provider of honing services due to a lack of available time. I am actively persuing the craft of forging and grinding my own straight razors so that is where my time is being used. I also have over 300 razors of my own to fix up, hone and sell.

I will make my honing services available occasionally but it will be based on a special need/circumstance and time available basis.

**AFDavis11** · 12-02-2006, 04:00 AM

Now if I had an opportunity to purchase a razor forged, ground and honed by Randy . . . myyyyyyyyyy, what a masterpiece that would be.

If there is something about honing I didn't learn from Randy, I'm not sure what it would be.