How To Sharpen-Hone A Straight Razor

Рет қаралды 284,750

9 жыл бұрын

First and foremost I hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Geofatboy demonstrates how to sharpen hone a straight razor with various water stones by Naniwa, Norton, Colonel Conk Arkansas Stone and Stropping. This will put a Shave Ready edge on your straight or cutthroat razor for a smooth shave every time!
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Shaving Gear Used in this Video:
Boker-Shave Nation 5/8 Straight Razor: bit.ly/BokerSNStraightRazor
Shave Nation Bandanna: bit.ly/HeadGearSN
Face Cloth: bit.ly/SNFaceCloth
Illinois Razor Strop: bit.ly/IllinoisRazorStropsSN
Naniwa 12K Sharpening Stone: bit.ly/Naniwa12KstoneSN
Norton 4/8K Combo Stone: bit.ly/Norton4000-8000GritComb...
Norton 220/1000 Grit Stone: bit.ly/Norton220-1000GritComb...
Arkansas 8/10K Paddle Stone: bit.ly/ConkArkansasPaddleSton...
Norton Flattening Stone: bit.ly/NortonFlatteningStoneSN
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Top 10 Videos:
How To Strop a Straight Razor: • How To Strop a Straigh...
Monday Morning Motivation Episode 1: • Monday Morning Motivat...
Shave Against The Grain: • How To Shave Against T...
Safety Razor vs Cartridge Razor: • Safety vs Cartridge Ra...
Razorine: Shaving is Fun! • The NEW Razorine Premi...
Learn All About Double Edge razor Blades: • Learn All About Double...
Eliminate Shaving Irritation: • How To Deal with Shavi...
Top 10 Safety Razors: • Top 10 Safety Razors
How To Shave With a Safety Razor: • Tutorial: Learn How To...
How To Shave With a Straight Razor: • Quick Tutorial: Learn ...
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Have A Great Shave, Have A Great Day!
Geo

Пікірлер: 361

@thegsmash 3 жыл бұрын

Came to learn how to sharpen my razor, and ended up learning ten other things. Thanks !

@geofatboy 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad it was educational for you! Thanks!

@brooks5419 Жыл бұрын

Aww I havent even finished the video yet but this guy seems like such a sweetheart. You can tell really quickly that he's passionate about shaving

@Bigbuddyandblue Жыл бұрын

I have 3 of my late Dad’s straight razors. He was a barber and sharpened them himself. They are at least 80 years old and rusty, yet STILL sharp enough to shave with. I thought maybe I’d try to sharpen them to get rid of the rust and corrosion, but no, I’m pretty uncoordinated and would probably ruin them! RIP, dad❤️

@nicetna2010 4 жыл бұрын

Can't believe nobody has invented a machine specifically made for honing straight razors.

@patrickpettyjr.3134 Жыл бұрын

This method of honing is also what's used for knives, too. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

@brucelee6219 9 жыл бұрын

That razor is probably a fucking light saber by now...

@cassai21 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making these videos. I'm a barber but in my shop I am in charge of sharpening shears and blades. These videos are so helpful!!! Thank you!! Sincerely, A lady barber from Detroit

@kevinmoor26 7 жыл бұрын

I have tried many ways to keeep my razors sharp over the years. Your methods are the easiest and best I have ever used. Thanks.

@Martiniization 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Geo. It's great to see that, at every step of the way after beginning to learn straight razor technique and maintenance, you are there, giving every necessary piece of information and demonstration for doing things right. Again, thanks, guy.

@islandhopper7614 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, thank you SO much. Ive sharpened plenty pocket knives etc, using the old Lansky kits. Until now, I would never even attempt to hone my own straight razor. This single video/information has removed my doubts about being able to do it properly, with practice. You have my gratitude - Namaste.

@geofatboy 3 жыл бұрын

Great-Thanks for the props.Let us know how it works out for you. Namaste!

@lowwprofile Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making such an informative and easy-to-understand video. You explained things very well.

@whitejaws6267 8 жыл бұрын

how can one man and his videos be so helpful! great videos geo!

@darrenwillerton1620 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial Geo, was seeking advice on how to sharpen an antique straight razor, but I've also adopted the same method to sharpen my wood chisels and plane blades. Im please to say my tools have never been so sharp. Many thanks..

@JackShen 3 жыл бұрын

I've noticed no one does what the flattening stone instructions say. Draw a grid on the target stone with a pencil, you know it's all even and flat when all pencil markings are gone

@geofatboy 3 жыл бұрын

Almost no one... You mean like this: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mNKlp9pqq6-Rhpc.html

@BenjaminTimminsphotography 8 жыл бұрын

I bought the 12000 grain one from the link. Hope it serves me well. Your video makes me a lot more comfortable doing it than I was before.

@Soledadsworld 5 жыл бұрын

I have watched several of your videos now; you're done a great job in providing explanation of the steps, what they are for, and how to do it. Quite an accomplishment, very informative, superlative quality. Thank you so much!

@geofatboy 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks David, Greatly appreciated.

@clintgolub1751 7 жыл бұрын

Great video! Your instructions were incredibly easy to follow

@johngoard8272 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Geo am still learning and like the previous comment have an obsession with precise sharpening having worked a lot with tools for cabinet making - chisels, plane blades straight rotary planer blades etc Unlike my father who preferred oil stones I am a fully hooked water stone user.

@LOYD196 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video, I just ordered my 3 pc Norton water stone set. Now I won't have to send my razor out to be honed and sharpened.

@iamnotpasta4408 3 жыл бұрын

i recently came into possession of a couple antique straight razors and this video helped me get them shave ready. my sleek smooth legs thank you

@johnpaulm5151 Жыл бұрын

Can i buy one? Been looking online for ages but always prefer second hand.

@Martiniization 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Geo. Very clear and helpful presentation.

@santanudutta4684 6 жыл бұрын

Seriously. Straight razor shaving requires high maintenance. I learned a lot . Thank you for your help.

@troopygino 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips bud, got my vintage straight razor cutting hair now haha

@johnnyboydianno 9 жыл бұрын

And ty geo like I said I used all kinds of razors got frustrated and never really knew how to shave till I googled how to get a close shave you popped up and I've watched your vids ever since I've been using a straight razor for 2yrs my face hasn't been rashed out since gratis to you for taking the time to do all this for guys like me

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Johnny! Single blade contacting the skin=Less Irritation! More Blades=More Irritation...

@paulmifsud3186 7 жыл бұрын

thankyou geof brilliant mate, paul in england. be safe my friend.

@blueridgeboy7721 9 ай бұрын

I honestly thought it would be way more complicated to sharpen a strait razor but that's more simple then how I sharpen my folding knife. Very interesting an thankyou for this video.

@Gorthaur111 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! I learned how to shave with a straight and a DE with your videos. Now it's nice to get a straightforward and thorough explanation for sharpening and honing from you. I've got no excuse not to sharpen my own razors now.

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! If you need stones, click here: www.shavenation.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=328_22

@BrentAB67 8 жыл бұрын

Great video. I just started using a straight razor this year and was pretty rough with the strop. I followed the instructions in this video and my razor is better than when I purchased it.

@geofatboy 8 жыл бұрын

BrentAB67 Tahnsk Brent!

@davidistre4261 8 жыл бұрын

just started shaving with a straight razor. your vids, are really informative

@ezvkm77 8 жыл бұрын

A good video Geo, useful information!

@mattmccann9609 9 жыл бұрын

Geo I'm over here in the UK brother your advice has always come good for me. Do you know what grit level red dovo paste is classed at ? Thanks & be lucky pal.

@dicetrixmarcinkiewicz8573 4 жыл бұрын

PhatBoy...Great short vid but I just wanted to add that newly aquired stones should always be lapped prior to honing. 👌🏻💯

@Motorman3538 3 жыл бұрын

It’s GeoFatBoy after the vintage razor

@vann8134 9 жыл бұрын

Nice Tutorial Geo! Thanks

@zednevada7362 5 жыл бұрын

You are are awesome, much help, thank you dude!!!

@johnkrosstika3216 8 жыл бұрын

wow...I never knew there was a flattening stone. I'm super happy about that. just bought my first straight razor, strop, etc. haven't used it yet or sharpened it, but I'm excited to try it for the first time. damn glad your on KZfaq!!! going to tell all my buddies to watch these, because now they all want to buy one.

@geofatboy 8 жыл бұрын

+kross Krosstika Here's another one for you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mNKlp9pqq6-Rhpc.html

@strummingnerd 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you Geo! I always enjoy your videos

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your support!

@sixsixpks 4 жыл бұрын

What an excellent video. Thanks man

@B81Mack 6 ай бұрын

Excellent tutorial. 👍

@ruslangelaev 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Geo! Thank you for such an informative video. I recently purchased my first straight razor. I thought it was shave-ready the way they came, but unfortunately it was not. What kind of honinh do you recommend for a brand new razor? Thanks in advance!

@PlacidDirge Жыл бұрын

I've been trying to sharpen a straight razor that got dinged but I can't seem to get it sharp enough to cut even the hairs of my arm. I think I'm missing a technique or two, so I'm on a search to learn more after sharpening the thing again. Thank you for the learning material!

@andrettibark 8 жыл бұрын

haven't honed mine in about 3 years. just started getting to the point where it hurts to shave. not bad for a 100 dollar straight razor.

@BM-ud8uq 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome straightforward video.

@geofatboy 8 жыл бұрын

+Theophilus Human Thanks Theo!

@Isaidmonkey 6 жыл бұрын

Great instruction! Thanks dude!

@PaintingWithMagic 5 жыл бұрын

Hey, geo! I've been using a DE razor for about 4 years now and a friend of mine is sending me a straight that he honed etc.. my question is when I need to refresh my razor can I just use an 8k stone to hone it then strop and be shave ready again? Thank you for all your videos man!

@andydixon914 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Geo! Very informative

@venichord1744 5 жыл бұрын

I've always been partial to the Arkansas Whet stones will that flattening stone work on that as well or do you just not bother because it's much narrower? Thanks great videos!

@gilbertramirez6626 8 жыл бұрын

My uncle was a barber in Mexico and he gave me a Boker and s strop. I will be checking you site out. Tyler Tx

@geofatboy 8 жыл бұрын

+gilbert ramirez Let me know if you need any help.

@mattbilliot7627 10 ай бұрын

Great video! I just caught this video and have a question. I notice that you lay the straight razor flat while sharpening does the spine gives you the correct angle to sharpen the razor and would you hold it the same way while you strop it too? Thank you and have a great day!

@davidzlobinskyy1011 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

@geofatboy 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@itsamathematicsthing 9 жыл бұрын

Hi Geo. Although I've not made a comment for a while I still really enjoy watching your videos and thought I'd let you know that I still shave every day with my chrome Futur bought from Shave Nation in, I think, early 2011. Keep up the great work, bro! David.

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Greetings David! It's very nice to hear from you! I hope you (and your nephew) are doing well. I wish you the best in 2015! I'm glad the Futur is still getting the job done for you.

@nikospap8470 7 жыл бұрын

Another nice video of yours Geo! A question though:can i use a crox applied on leather pasted strop instead of a 12k grit stone as I don't have one? Is it a good substitute for it and what do you think of this method, that is going right after the 8k stone to pasted strop(15rounds), then to clean linen(~25 rounds) and then to 50 give and take rounds on leather? Thanks Geo greetings from Greece!!

@Bouzoukiellas 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video Julian

@peoriatitan5172 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. I bought a set of stones since I just recently started using a straight razor to shave my face and head. The stones come with a sharpening tutorial. Watched the video and followed instructions and my razor was dull as a spoon. I was very frustrated. Just found your video and followed along and boom! Nice sharp smooth edge. Thank you!

@geofatboy 4 жыл бұрын

Boom! That's Awesome! I'm glad you got it sorted out and sharpened up!

@tonybates9107 Жыл бұрын

Awesome bro, I learned everything I need to know save one thing, why the number 8. Thank you for a great tutorial😊

@geofatboy Жыл бұрын

Did I say it was my favorite?

@JonBonesJones84 3 жыл бұрын

Is the 4000/8000 stone recommended for German steel knives with the same technique and passes? I use one those inexpensive electric sharpeners for my knife. It's not dull, but it's definitely not sharp enough where I would like for it to be, like, sharp enough to cut through an onion with one solid pass rather than rocking back and forth.

@quoctrung6106 9 ай бұрын

Having declared my dissatisfaction with this sharpener last night kzfaq.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ I thought about the problem some more. It occurred to me that I might be undoing each attempt at achieving a sharp edge by the repeated attempts. So, I tried to clean up the unsatisfactory result by honing with only positions 3 and 4.Miracle!! A really nicely sharpened chef's knife, more than enough to handle my needs. Admittedly, it did not reach professionally sharpened razor-fineness, but it is now significantly sharper than it was. A bout of breaking down carrots convinced me. So, major apologies to the manufacturer, Amazon, and all happy and potential owners! Follow the directions: don't buy it if you have ceramic blades; and don't overwork your knife blade.

@Waterbunbun107 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! This is very helpful!

@magusbernie8161 3 жыл бұрын

Best video out there! Thank you

@knightmare1015 9 жыл бұрын

Nice video Geo. This helps out alot thanks.

@JimIBobIJones 3 жыл бұрын

An alternative is to paste up your strop with a polishing/sharpening compound. This IMHO is a much better "at home" option as its much easier, your razor is at peak sharpness every shave and it doesn't eat up as much of your razor as regular honing would - extending its life.

@eliorocha6013 7 жыл бұрын

Geofat, great video. I am learning whats needed for my first straight razor (looking into buying a Kamisori first). I want to ask you if you have a video here in KZfaq about honing a straight razor/kamisori for the first time. To my understanding, straight razors are not factory honed. Honing services are a bit expensive and I think this can be done at home (IMO). I have seen a lot of new Kamisori for sale in websites (NOS KAMISORI) that are not honed and others (used kamisories) shave ready on eBay but are old or I dont like the style so I prefer a new. I really want to learn how to do that first honing myself or be pointed in the right direction for this. Thank you

@maxeydylan Жыл бұрын

Do you recommend getting the 12000 grit stone along with the honing kit?

@andyjohnson9402 7 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Wicked edge system? thoughts. i am very much a novice but i want the best yet simple system for sharpening. from this video i would say the combo 4000 8000 stone should do the trick correct?

@maxeydylan 9 ай бұрын

Hey @geofatboy, new to maintaining straight razors. I got the stone set from your site and they’re beautiful. But I’m having trouble getting my razor to that good shaving point. It’s leaving a smooth shave but there’s quite a bit pulling during the process. I followed the video but I feel like I’m missing something. Any additional tips to help a brother out?

@edmaneiro 9 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Geo!!! Just killed all my questions in 13 minutes!!! :)

@micheloliveira6718 7 жыл бұрын

Helpful video. Today I lost completely my shaving edge because I was polishing some rust from my first straight razor using automotive white polishing paste (excelent result) that formed after only a few weeks of use. I went from a non shaving razor to a hanging arm hair positive doing the following: 1. completely ignored the 4k stone. 2. started with a 8k stone from a brazilian brand "Carborundum". I did swipe the wet stone like if I was wiping away its surface water (like Geofatguy just did on this video). Watching the water creating waves and being wiped away is oddly satisfying btw. I did many laps, lets say something around 50 laps. Not too much pressure, just enough to wipe the water, remember this parameter as a good parameter to calibrate your strength. At this point I was so happy when I shaved a patch of hair completely clean from my arm easily. Not pulling arm hairs yet. More 20 laps and started pulling some arm hairs in mid air. So I dried the blade, did not strop it in leather, but canvas + puma paste extra fine instead. After 50 laps the edge was mirror-like, pulling almost every hair from my arm when the blade passed in the air over them! Washed the blade, dried, spread some Singer machine mineral oil and the razor is as good as new. I hope my experience helps a little bit.

@TheRussianRob 6 ай бұрын

Sounds like a very exciting experience! Cheers n keep that passion going!

@MichaelGrant_mlkgrant 6 жыл бұрын

I just purchased a beautiful Solomon by "Naked Armor Straight Edge Razor Kit" Though they say it was shave ready I should have done what I do to all my carpentry blades: chisels, Planers etc... is sharpen each one to a razor sharp edge! Many people think because its new its ready for use and the truth is it isn't! they are prep'd to be professionally honed before use! I believe this is also true of Naked Armor Straight Edge Razors... They are sharp but it pulled on some of my facial hairs. Which is an indication that is needs honing, sharpening, Stropping... etc... :)

@Mister_Ess Жыл бұрын

I sharpened my straight razor on a 2 sided Norton oil stone, then finished with a hanging strop. I got hair shaving results. Satisfying enough for me.

@geofatboy Жыл бұрын

Sounds good

@jeffreymeeks4051 5 жыл бұрын

Geofatboy what condition do straight razors come in from ordering a new one? Are they required to be honed with different stones and if so what stones would you recommend purchasing?

@hampshirevegan1843 7 жыл бұрын

I was doing this the wrong way around, I'm an idiot XD Thanks for the video!

@EconomicBearish 9 жыл бұрын

Geofatboy i need your help with a question, in my country (spain) blades of gillete shavers and wilkinson are soooo expensive and i would like to know another alternative which maintaince my skin without a cut, i got a sensible skin. please answer !

@HarleyRider123 Жыл бұрын

Hi Geo! Question: my razor Il was honed a while ago, but still performs well. Should I only go with a 12,000 grit or should I do a 8,000 and then a 12,000?

@NickyCairo 2 жыл бұрын

Very good. Thank you

@TacticalTimmy12 9 жыл бұрын

Great video geo. Those lessons from Lynn made you a master! Lol Do you plan on doing a video that snows how to go from butter knife dull to shave ready?

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Lol, it took me a while to get this one out there, and it's just covering touch-ups. Butter to shave ready requires more time than I have right now, but I will put it on my list! I have a few old razors that are in needy condition that would benefit from a video like that.

@cjk100694 3 жыл бұрын

Military makes me shave daily what do you recommend per sharpening instructions listed in video

@Vermundr44 8 жыл бұрын

What is the difference between a canvas strop and a leather one, also, do you need a stone aside from a strop or do either work without?

@BillLingad 6 жыл бұрын

I just bought a brand new straight edge razor and my question is should I use a 12k stone or an 8k stone to hone it to become shave ready?

@markuswells2770 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Thank you so much

@geofatboy Жыл бұрын

Thanks Markus! Stay Sharp!

@tylerdare4768 2 жыл бұрын

I usually only go up to 10k grit awesome video

@markfowler9352 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. Do you recommend taping the spine when sharpening or is this not necessary?

@lennyrodriguez4783 9 жыл бұрын

Another awsome video geo !

@geofatboy 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lenny!

@lightinside 2 жыл бұрын

Very good video..thanks

@geofatboy 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@stephendevoy 8 жыл бұрын

do u sell these and how much I'm in Ireland love u r videos very good education 😆

@davidfrisbie8216 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@knifesharpeningnorway 4 жыл бұрын

Is a heljestrand no 24 a good beginners straight razor? Can i make it shave good and comfortable of a naniwa 5k professional then straight on white 12k compound then chromium oxide then red compound?

@user-fl2co1dg8g 25 күн бұрын

I have the 4000/8000 grit stone, 12000 stoner, and a 20000 stone. The 20000 stone is for another purpose. Do you think I need to go to the 20k stone with my straight razor? Also, you strop after each honing stone. Is that correct?

@farmerwayne1404 4 жыл бұрын

Nice vid. If you dont mind, what Arkansas stone is that? Thank you!!

@Chimib 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your time and knowledge. I have a couple of questions for you. Won't the razor get scratched if you rub it flat against the stone? The other is , how do you know for real if a razor is shave ready? Thanks in advance.

@teachingwithipad 3 жыл бұрын

check for an apex. Shine flashlight on the edge. If light reflects, that’s a dull spot. An apexed edge(fully formed sharp peak) does not reflect light.

@DanielSmith-fg5im 3 жыл бұрын

Is the sharpening any good if the blade is longer than the width of the Stone

@ilexbien-aime7364 5 жыл бұрын

In this video you only used the 8000 grit. I have a Thiers Issard that I bought from The Art of Shaving. It is no longer giving a sharp cut. Should I only use the 8000 grit and a strop for maintenance?

@gordkabatoff9708 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Sir

@timmathers5243 3 жыл бұрын

Can you expect having sharpened a straight razor that it will be as sharp as a shavette? If tape is applied to the spline during sharpening is the tape to remain on during stropping?

@MrThevenom2011 8 жыл бұрын

Hello, I tried setting a bevel on a 4000 grit waterstone but my Gold Dollar still grabs on the hair when I use it. What's a better way to set a bevel?

@MashKnight 3 жыл бұрын

I have a slit in the blade maybe 1/2 in from the heel can it be saved?

@robertp411 3 жыл бұрын

Just getting started. Will a 1000 grid do the trick or do you require 4000/8000?

@RandalllFlagg 3 жыл бұрын

My 12000 grit and flattening stones are arriving in a couple of hours, and my 4000/8000 stone will be here Tuesday. My tap water isn't the best, though. Should I just use distilled water when working with the stones?

@nunh 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video - would this work on each type of straight razor (full, half hollow, kamisori etc.)?

@geofatboy 8 жыл бұрын

+nunh Yes, on most traditional straight razors. The Kamisori razors are a whole different ball game to sharpen. They give seasoned honemeisters the sweats!

@Khaled-xc5ku 4 жыл бұрын

got my razor from dovo but wasn't shave ready, i honed them in 3000 and 8000 grit but doesn't give a comfortable shave, would you recommend getting 12k grit as it may do the trick?

@ElementalHeroJoe 8 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of getting my first straight razor. I shave once or twice a week. I'm wondering how often would I need to send it to be honed? One more question, is it difficult to learn how to hone your own straight razor?