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

[Toro Blanco]

Can we do it on the 10th?, 49ers just made it to the Super Bowl on the 11th.

If not I can still do the 11th, just seeing what day is picked.

 

[Stygo]

I've blocked off the 10th. Let's do it.

 

[alx gilmore]

The 10th is perfect for me too. Again, if you want to come here together you can try out Jnats and have lunch, or I will come down there too. You fellows decide.
Those last too games, and last night especially reminded me of the Joe Montana games. I was with 4 friends and we were on our feet half the game.
So just let me know when and where.

Alex

 

[Steve56]

You guys are in for a treat!

 

[quijas23]

I’ve been off the forums for a while due to life (mother in law passed, new job, Covid and hockey season) but would love to meet up. I’m in San Jose and work on the peninsula.
Great idea and looking forward to this.
Alex, where are you- that honing area looks fantastic.

 

[alx gilmore]

Sonoma

 

[Stygo]

I’m available to head up to Sonoma if we could start early and wrap by 3pm.

I’m also happy to host this (or a future gathering) in the South Bay.

Potential attendees have a preference?

 

[alx gilmore]

Stygo,
Do you think you could contact quijas23 & toro to work it out one way or the other?

Alex

 

[Toro Blanco]

I am fine with either one.

What is a good time for everyone? I am flexible on time aswell.

 

[Stygo]

Proposal: how about we do 9am at Alex's on the 10th? @quijas23 - would that work for you?

 

[quijas23]

Works for me
Looking forward to this

 

[alx gilmore]

We are ready, Emiko will make a lunch.
Alx

 

[Toro Blanco]

Nice! This is going to be cool.
Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Thank you Alex for doing this and hosting us.

 

[Stygo]

Nice! This is going to be cool.
Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Thank you Alex for doing this and hosting us.

Thank you Alex!

 

[alx gilmore]

Thank you Alex!

 

[alx gilmore]

My pleasure. Call me at 707-206-1443 for directions. I have a parking lot you can pull right into.

Alex

 

[quijas23]

My pleasure. Call me at 707-206-1443 for directions. I have a parking lot you can pull right into.

Alex

Thank you Alex. Please let us know if we can bring something to help out with the lunch.

 

[alx gilmore]

Thank you Alex. Please let us know if we can bring something to help out with the lunch.

We appreciate the offer, don't worry we will provide everything. Bring your razors and knives to sharpen or other tools and your stones.
Alx

 

[Steve56]

Any reposts, images, impressions …. ?

 

[Stygo]

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!