Does anyone here live in Northern California that I can hone a razor side by side with?

[FarmerTan]

Short report... Alex and Emiko were very kind hosts. Emiko cooked a tasty lunch, and Alex shared his knowledge and tried to help each of us develop a shave-worthy razor. We paused along the way to observe the effect of experiments on the razor and change things up as needed. In addition to Alex's expertise, it was valuable to hear the experiences of @Toro Blanco and @quijas23 as they've been at this much longer than me.

This was the first time I've honed with others, so the trip was eye-opening in a number of ways. An initial list:

• It was helpful to get a sense for the pressure others use (someone can push on your hand and give you a sense for it)
• I was surprised how much differently stones can behave on different steels
• I got a sense if I was 'in the ballpark' for my honing efforts
• There was a lot of observing and then changing what wasn't working (def. Not a recipe)
• You can see if something is working or not in a very small number of strokes
• Lots of small details discussed for me to decide how incorporate (e.g., kapton vs. 3m tape)
• Getting to see a range of different performing stones and how mine fit in
• The shear number and variety of stones Alex has is astounding.

Very glad I did this - thank you Alex, Toro and Quijas23!

I believe that this is the most lovely, heartwarming thread that I have ever read on Badger and Blade! Well done my friends! Well done.

 

[quijas23]

Ill confirm that Alex and his wife were very kind. Much beyond what I expected.
Second, Alex's Shop was beyond anything I could have imagined and his processes were great. One of the items that we did was to observe scratch patterns under the microscope on various stones. What I really wanted to observe was the techniques for JNAts as I am relatively new to this and needed some help.
One of the big things that helped me was not just seeing how others did sharpening, but being able to see the results under the microscope that Alex has set up in his sharpening room. You could go and do a short series of strokes and then see in real time what is going on with the razor. While I don't think a microscope is required, it definately is a shortcut to optimizing the edge of the razor.
Also beneficial was getting to see how others setup and techniques. I had some handicaps I did not realize and upon return to my own personal sharpening station at home, was able repeat easily what I had learned in person.
I would highly suggest meet ups for others as one afternoon amongst others really helped me in my journey.
Thanks again to everyone that was there

Stygo,​

alx gilmore, and​

Toro Blanco, hope to do it again​

 

[Phoenixkh]

It was fun to watch an idea turn into reality and read how beneficial and fun it was for you guys.

 

[alx gilmore]

It was fun to watch an idea turn into reality and read how beneficial and fun it was for you guys.me

The gathering came together smoothly despite my computer-email-messaging skills. My age allows me lots of free time but diffuses my origination skills, it was the three of them who pulled it together. Seven hours was not enough and I would be happy to do it again.

Alx

 

[matt n]

Hello all
This sounds like a magical opportunity! Alex , after our phone meeting this winter I started dreaming of a meet. I have the next month around northern California to climb and am hoping to learn from you all. I will have flexible days off too! I also got a sample grade koppa that convinced me that i am also looking for a stone mach as well.
Alex, are you available ?

Matt

 

[rockwell88]

I want to form a study group in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area of fellows who would like to work and document as a group, the posting of thoughts and practical results directly onto and exclusively for for Badger & Blade (the greatest shaving forum on the web). This would ideally be a study group that could meet up at the convenience of all once a month or so to show and tell their honing and shaving experiences.
I belonged to such a group about 15 years ago, and it was a lot of fun. This is not the kind of group meeting that would necessarily exist for years and years, but more likely 4 or 5 or more meet-ups, and the reason why is because as a group we all become experts so quickly when we share hands-on knowledge and technique.

The group meeting would most easily occur at one of the member's homes or even at a public place that preferably would allow us to set up a table or two. In the good weather months, this can be outside or even in a park setting. The beauty of honing razors is that it does not necessarily require electricity, although for documentation purposes this is usually a help. These days we all have battery power.

My shop is always open, it is in a garage, and others might have a similar setup.

Any thoughts?

Alx

if ever you do the study group again, count me in. Im just north of you over the county line.

 

[alx gilmore]

Well, my wife Emiko and I are off again to Japan for a couple of weeks. We will first be attending the Japanese Kezuroukai woodworking gathering near Tokyo. This two-day event showcases not only woodworkers and blacksmiths and traditional craftspersons in many other fields. These are people that build multi-stories building without nails or screws. There will be a contingent of craftspersons from the US and Europe. A few of those members including a fellow from Australia will be going to Kyoto on Tuesday Nov. 11/12/2024 after the Kez to hike into the the mountains of Umegahata to rediscover the natural sharpening stones that many of you use. We are all going on our own dime, and I think that we will all have a great time. I wish more of you could come.

best regards,
Alx