Honing Stones Recommendations Please

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76
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West Midlands
Hi all,

I am thinking about buying some honing stones. Being new to this rabbit hole, does anyone have recommendations on which stones to purchase and where to buy them in 2021? Is there such a thing as a beginners kit etc.

I have read the thread on choosing and using a straight razor - pt3 but wasn't sure if there had been any updates to the advice given since 2013.

Cheers in advance for any advice forthcoming
 
Newbie honer here. If its only one or two razors you're likely to be maintaining, and accepting the fact that once you get them to shave ready you'll only be returning to the "stones" for occasional touch ups, I'd suggest the most economical and effective route would be to consider lapping film. My set up cost less than £50 and that includes a couple of flat acrylic blocks to apply the cut-to-size film.

If I'd change anything it might be to get a 1k synthetic stone for bevel setting. Not that you can't set a bevel on the coarser grades of film, just I found it quite time consuming.

And don't forget a loupe to gaze at your honed edge in all its glory.

None of the above in anyway meant to suggest film is better than stones. I don't know the answer to that one. Just suggesting it as an economical "beginner's kit"
 
Cheers Mike I have 10 straights at the moment and that no. will probably grow over time. I am finding that the razors are all becoming a touch dull and felt a) it was going to cost quite alot to send multiple razors, say 5 at a time, for honing including insured post etc & b) the risk you have to take with your razors by posting them!
 
Take a look here for prices


As you are probably aware it is a big rabbit hole - so the first things to do are:
- Decide whether you are going just for maintenance or renovation. Maintenance can be just a single fairly high grit - say 8k plus whereas to put a new bevel on a razor means something like 1k through 3 and 5k then finishing on minimum 8k.
- Synthetic stones are easy to use but you can achieve very good edges on natural stones but with far more variable results. You really need to do a good deal of research if you want to go the natural route.
- Have you considered putting a wanted ad in the buy and sell section? There may be someone who has tried and given up on honing.
- Lapping film suggestion is worth following up. I know that @Fergiebilly .was an advocate at one stage so maybe he will chime in
 
As you are probably aware it is a big rabbit hole - so the first things to do are:
- Decide whether you are going just for maintenance or renovation. Maintenance can be just a single fairly high grit - say 8k plus whereas to put a new bevel on a razor means something like 1k through 3 and 5k then finishing on minimum 8k

Hi Rob, thanks for the reply. I am aware that this is a very deep rabbit hole:LOL: I think I am looking at maintenance honing as I believe this might be a good place to start. The trouble is I have no idea where to start. I have watched a few videos by Dr Matt but he has a workshop to hone in lol. I, on the other hand, just have my kitchen work top or a pine dining table to work on.

I will take a look at the link you gave me. Thanks(y)
 
I got my 3M films here


Whether they're the cheapest I don't know, but you can purchase individual single sheets.

If possible purchase the non adhesive version. Just makes it easier to remove the film on and off your chosen honing surface.
Cheers Mike. I will look that up. In the meantime I may well go for a stone as well. I have found this one:-

What do you think?

You mention honing surface. I have quartz worktops in my kitchen. Would that do or do I need to buy a sheet of glass?
 
I'm definitely not the best person to make stone recommendations. I'm sure others with more experience will chime in. But I think the Naniwa's have a good reputation. And I'm not sure of the difference between the various types - super stone, professional etc.

I think the important thing re the surface is to make sure its flat. I'd go with a piece of glass or acrylic cut to size (you can cut the film sheets into 3 pieces length wise) so just just size it accordingly. You can then hone holding the block in hand or on the counter top.

I haven't done it, but I imagine honing with the film directly on the counter top would be difficult - no room to manoeuvre / rotate your hand or razor. Unless you were butted up to the edge or the sink cut out?? Not sure I'd go that route :)
 
Hi Rob, thanks for the reply. I am aware that this is a very deep rabbit hole:LOL: I think I am looking at maintenance honing as I believe this might be a good place to start. The trouble is I have no idea where to start. I have watched a few videos by Dr Matt but he has a workshop to hone in lol. I, on the other hand, just have my kitchen work top or a pine dining table to work on.

I will take a look at the link you gave me. Thanks(y)

For Maintaining a Razor a 12 K Naniwa Superstone is the Hone..I Would Recommend.The 3rd Generation Super Stones have a Far Higher Grit Finishing Capacity than their Factory Claimed Grit Rating..Lapping Film is OK..But a Super Stone as Far a More Versatile Hone as My Friend Glen Shows Above in the Video Link..He is Bang on the Button Here.. :cool:

Billy
 

For Maintaining a Razor a 12 K Naniwa Superstone is the Hone..I Would Recommend.The 3rd Generation Super Stones have a Far Higher Grit Finishing Capacity than their Factory Claimed Grit Rating..Lapping Film is OK..But a Super Stone as Far a More Versatile Hone as My Friend Glen Shows Above in the Video Link..He is Bang on the Button Here.. :cool:

Billy
Cheers Billy, thanks for your input. I have been getting info from all over after I put the question out on my latest video whilst using my CV Heljestrand Eskilstuna Kindal Le Duc 6/8.
There are a few fairly well known YouTubers that rate Welsh Slate but I think I would rather buy once and stick with a well established name such as Naniwa or Shapton.
Your input has confirmed my train of thought. Now to find one in stock lol7F4A4138.jpg
 
Interesting video by Lynn Abrams.

Does anyone else soak their super stones? I always thought these were just splash 'n go.
You Can Splash & Go Em or Lap Em Wet Under Running Water..I Lap Em Before Every Use for Few Figure of Eights to Flatten Em..I Usually Sit Em in the Sink for a JUST a FEW Minutes to Wet the FULL Stone..I Like Glen Finds it Equally Stabilizes Em.. I Do NOT Soak Em..I Just WET Em..To Me there is a BIG Difference..Few Minutes is All ... :cool:

Billy
 
I already have Naniwa 6000 which I use for my knives, if I were to buy 2 more stones what would be the best in relation to honing straight razors between the following 5000, 8000 or a 12000 ?

Also from the choice above is there any lapping stone which I could use on all stones, or do I have to get a least two because of the large difference between the grits ?
 
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