This has been one of the most helpful videos on this subject that I have seen so far. Thank you for the very practical and approachable wisdom you share on the art. I'm a licensed barber, formally trained in a barber college for two-thousand hours and have over 30 years of experience in the profession of hair-cutting. However, I, have never mastered the art of honing razors even though I practiced honing vigorously in barber college and a little thereafter. I'm now venturing again to master this art because I would really like to bring some of my estate sale straight razor finds into shaving condition. Ultimately, I would like to put into regular use, a cache of straight razor into my servicing routines at the barber shop, reducing my reliance on replaceable straight razors. I think that I have gotten a few blades into range of fair shaving function but far from what I perceive to be possible based on videos like yours. This all makes me wonder just how many barbers can actually do this. It seems a most onerous undertaking but I really want to be that barber in modern times who can indeed keep straight razors in optimal shaving condition. This had to be a significant part of a barber's work when he had to rely on traditional straight razors to shave. An think of the home-shavers and do-it-yourselfers who, before the safety razors, developed this skill-set to give themselves shaves on a regular basis. I have ruined a lot of stones and razors over the years trying to hone a razor. I also now realize that the preparation and training I got from barber college was rather inadequate for actually mastering the art of honing: there was, I now surmise, no real expectation of my instructors for success because the training did not even come close to bringing me into the realm of mastery. Without the type of wisdom and insight you are sharing, I would could forever expect to be frustrated demoralized by failure. What I now perceive to be the actual learning curve for success in honing with consistency makes my barber college honing training seem a bit gimmicky.
@@drmatt357 Hey Doc, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what your geographical frame of reference is but straight razor shaving is definitely permitted /allowed in the United States in barbershops. A barbershop, however, should not be confused with haircutting chains like "Super Cuts, Fantastic Sams, Borics, Master Cuts, Sport Clips, Cost Cutters, etc.) because these facilities are licensed as salons or cosmetology establishments: they are NOT barbershops. Most states in the US make it illegal for a haircutting establishment's to display a barber pole on the premises unless the establishment is actually a barbershop with a licensed barber performing grooming services. So look for the barber pole generally if you want to go to real barbershop. It is in fact illegal in most states in the U.S. for the aforementioned cosmetology establishments to perform shaves or use straight razors on patrons. When I went to barber college I was required to do 500 more hours to get the barber license as oppose to the comparable cosmetology license. The additional 500 hours of training is attributable to learning how to shave with a straight razor and this is still part of the barber's curriculum in Michigan and throughout the United States with only one exception that I know of, a county in Alabama that does not require licensure for barbering services. I'm getting a pretty good grasp of honing straight razors and now have about 10 vintage traditional straight razors in my tool kit at work in the barbershop that I use to perform my barber services on a regular basis now. On my RU-vid channel I have posted some videos recently demonstrating my use and maintenance of straight razors in the barbershop. I still have several shavettes or injector style disposable straight razors that I use also. So far, the benefits of the traditional straight razor for me is that: (1) there is a hobby like appeal to its use in the barbershop;, (2) it reduces my reliance and dependance on the disposable shavette blades; and (3) because the hygiene and sanitation protocols associated with shaving with razors, I gain a little efficiency by having 10 or so straight razors ready to go at the beginning of a work-shift. Happy Shaving!
I always learn something new, or am reminded of something I have forgotten while watching your sharpening vids. You have been my primary coach since I began honing my razor and I do appreciate your taking the time to share!
Doc, this might be your best video. You debunked a few myths about honing. The weight of the blade crap is probably the most toxic myth for a new honer.
Thanks Ramon. Yes, there's a lot of silliness out there. I don't know if guys put it out there to purposely misdirect people or they're really that confused.
Wow. I have a TI. Have struggled a bit with it. I know exactly what I'm doing wrong now. Scared of the pressure thing. Just re honed it. Beautiful. Thanks DrMatt. 👍
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The ingenuity that is shared between you is obvious even at such a young age and you certainly have a great deal to be proud of... as does he!
Great instructional, Doc. I'll be purchasing a Norton 8k and 12k soon and following these vids. On a side note, great job raising your kids, man... There's a lot to be said for men that are able to raise young men.
A Dr. Matt honing video! What a great way to start off the weekend! I remember Danny’s Lego candy machine. I can’t believe how much time has passed. You guys have such awesome, talented children. Love seeing what they’re up to!
This video, mate, turned me into a real pro!!! THANK YOU! I'm joking about my "pro", but I finally revived an old jalopy and I shaved today with it. I was working on that blade from 2 weeks without any clue, reducing the blade from 6/8 to 5/8 without to be able to cut a single hair. Well, after this video and half an hour on the stones, it worked and I turned a "letter opener" into a phreeking razor! Thanks again!
Bloody hell! Good on you Mate! but be careful who you tell... this is one of my videos that some in the communitay are calling to be banned. It's that evil spine work I show that obviously got your blade to work. Cheers!
Best video so far i’ve seen about sharpening straight razors. My brandnew Dovo has never been sharp. Not from factory and recently re-sharpened…Still not good… gonna try to grind/hone myself now…
You are exactly right about pressure. Been honing my own for nearly five years and have followed you closely. I’ve never had issues out of 45 razors, both new and vintage. Thank you!
DrMatt357 This old truck driver needed to find something do in the truck at night besides watch movies and read books. I found SR shaving, honing, stropping, and everyday is a shaving adventure. I’m no longer a truck driver but a SR shaver looking for a truck stop at night.
I see it’s like japanese single edge knife ‘s backside. For that knife, barely stroke like 100:1 As a beginner, i got cheap one to practice sharpening and shaving. So this video is very helpful. Thanks mate!
B Frazer - It’s a parlor trick!😆 I say that because there is technique involved but the most important part of performing the test is the hair. Ethnic, usually darker skinned women. Indian, American Indian, Middle Eastern and even Asian women. All have wonderful, thick,dark stalks of hair just made for this!😏
@@drmatt357 Haha I recall you saying something to that effect in a previous video, still, quite impressive to watch. As a side note: Thank you for the content. I just started with straight razors about a year ago. I now own 2. The first one I got I simply could not for the life of me get sharp. Frustrated, I went to youtube where I watched you do the wobble test and discuss edge geometry and ways to fix it. I went backs to mine and indeed there was a warp in the spine. It now works quite well so thank you for sharing your experience.
Great video, you showed me where I was going wrong honing my razor. I was scared of applying any pressure, then wondering why it wasn't getting any sharper
Superb video, thanks for taking the time to make it. Your a pro and make it look simple, i’m slowly getting there myself and every video i pick up 1 or 2 top tips which helps, this video i’ve picked up diamond slurry on the synthetic and pressure on the start & mid range stones. Thanks again
Wish this video had been around when I bought my Theirs Issard razor. I had this exact problem with the same TI razor...it took me a long time to figure out the spine was off and needed to be fixed with honing. Great video Doc. Cheers Mike in Nova Scotia, Canada.
You have really amazing skill with that.. I was under impression that there is nothing difficult about honing straight razor but this video woke me up and shoved me that its like any other hobby... Beautiful work🙏
You make something very difficult look relatively easy... Impressive!.. And thanks for working on my Boker and the additional advice on my meager honing efforts.
Danny must be 18 now. My daughter just turned 15. They grow up so fast don't they? Great video Dr Matt. I was wondering who was doing all the great camera work for you. Very cool.
Wow Dr Matt, I've been watching your videos and emailing you for a couple of years now and everytime you have helped me overcome any difficulty on a razor. But man! This video is a Masterclass, it took me back to when I looked on multiple videos from your collection, to get all the steps to correct, sharpen and hone a razor from the start. THAN YOU for this. (And as a fellow parent, congrats on your new camera man, hope one day one of mine shares one of my passions with me also). PD: if you would grant me a wish, I'd love to see you handle a smiling and frowning edge (honing as is, but also how to correct them to straight geometry.... a wedge would be nice too...I have one that still resists y efforts).
Thanks Cristian. I've had several requests for an old smiling wedge. It's on my short list to do so as soon as a suitable one comes in, Danny and I will be on it!
I will be trying to apply some of these techniques. I have two mostly unusable dovos at the moment, and i have to resort to using some vintage backup knives to get my face in order.
DrMatt357 absolutely! I have wanted to make the switch to something more professional and classic for a while now instead of the old Mach 3. I’ll research your videos and see what direction is good for me! Thanks in advance for the advice.
Exactly right what you said people are afraid to get rough, but some razors need reshaping which means pressure and removing metal, hone wear is a beautiful thing. 😮😆
Well greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰😉 you are AWESOME and I serious need your skills for my blade.. its blunt, so every time I’m shaving it hurts 😂 so.... need to find some stones so I could try to do some magic to it and with your helping videos, hopefully my face wouldn’t look like something from a horror movie 😂😂
Your technique continues to allude me. It's always nice to watch your X strokes and crazy stropping. Thanks from Texas. Norton 8k and/or 5k is on my list for next stone. I hate my Kitayama 8k.
@@drmatt357 I am not a big Shapton fan. All I have is a 1k. My technique really loads up the edges of the stone. In other words, I prefer rounded stones, not completely flat. But Shapton cuts so well that it isn't unimagineable that I wouldnt' change my technique.
Much respect great guys right there! Thank you just beginning always have loved to sharpen now I need to learn to do it right think I've found my teacher
@@drmatt357 then I'll pick right on up in that I'm kinda that way myself sitting at the plant waiting to build one of these cranes sharpening stuff back here on the trailer while I wait didn't realize there was such a science to it just thought grandpa was good at it 😆
Hey I just got started in the wet shaving and I have the red prorasso soap, but was wondering about another recommendation and your the man to ask! Thanks for the videos!!
Just had the BEST shave ever after following your tutorials RE honing. I'm using a cheap Dovo ⅝" Classic Straight Razor. Just went through honing as the wobble test showed the bevel was set already. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thanks for this one, Doc. I had exactly this issue with my TI, right slap in the center of the spine too. But after some work setting the geometry, its all good.
Dr. Matt - thanks for the insightful video! You certainly touched on quite a few questions I’ve had. I’ve got a better understanding of setting the bevel, and should be able to keep by Dovo serviceable for years to come after your work on it this week (it should be arriving today). Thanks again! Scott G.
Really Interesting. What I would like to know, is there any difference, if you use "cheap" stones...I know this might not make much sense, but what if someone has some simple waterstones for 30 bucks and want to sharpen his razor only with this items....For example budget 8000 grid stone and a leather with some grinding paste. Otherwise really good videos !
First - thanks for all the information. Lots of good tips and techniques. I’ve watched a couple different videos on this and in several I’ve heard the term “sticky” used which preceded a change in the what was being done. Could you please explain that term as I am about to attempt to “refresh” my first two razors and I have a feeling that’s going to be very important. Thanks again for all the info.
Greetings from central Europe. I'm fascinated how easy you sharpened that razor. Really great job! Thank you for sharing this video. I'd like to have a question on you, sir: At 8:42 you "killed" the already sharpened edge. Is this moment of "killing" - making dull - standard step during your sharpening at the 8000 grit? And why at that moment and not sooner. Thank you for your answers. JT
Good question JT. Killing the edge as I show is controversial. My detractors will tell you I don’t know what I’m doing, it’s unnecessary and you’re causing undue harm to the blade. Thing is, they can’t see what I see under my scope at 1000X. When you have the blade on a 400 diamond plate, it can leave some deep grooves and a toothy edge. I do it at 8K instead of sooner because with the 8K you won’t re-create the toothiness giving the smoothest edge. Could you do it without killing the edge? Yes but there’s an increased chance of a rougher edge.
I was given my first straight razor and after watching some of your videos, totally failed to get an edge. Did the wobble thing and maybe it's a cheap razor that cannot be sharpened. There is no makers mark. Thanks anyway, I'll watch some more videos. Best Gray
Hi Matt, So you did set the bevel first, right? If so, using tape seems against your advice on the matter? (Razor Bevel Setting - The 5 Essentials you MUST Know ! video) What am I missing here? Please help me out here.
Interesting, last week i honed a Boker and a Dovo , both like that.. The Dovo was particularly bad like I never seen on any vintage. I wonder if all the new blanks come from the same manufacture. Great instructional video !
Pedro Carvalho - Thank you Pedro. I know that most all of the German razors come from the same blanks but TI does their own. But this grind problem is not unique to the French. 😏
I liked having the details of the 400 Atoma in the video subtitle, but I would like it even more if you put a list of the stones used in the video description.
@@drmatt357 more product still to buy to try honing/sharpening on my own. Need a 12 k finishing stone, a flattener. chromium oxide etc still Just have an 8k and 12k Shapton thus far so not much I can with those right now, right?
@@drmatt357 was very impressed with your sharpening skills and knowledge and just made a Conan the barbarian reference as Arnold Schwarzenegger/conan says when he goes to Valhalla he will be asked what is the riddle of steel by his god, just a nerdy reference to a classic sword fighting film because your skills are impressive. I have a very expensive straight razor and you make it look easy but I can see you make it look easy from years of experience and knowing the perfect angle and pressure, I would be reluctant and this stage to try and sharpen it myself.
@@RadomKidsareme000 - Probably still wouldn't see much. You can see a difference in the edge from coming straight off the stone and then stropping it. But after the first time stropping, you won't see any difference. If you look at my latest video on the La Lune stone, I have some slides in there of before and after the strop. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P0M5aZIT2z0.html
I have two razors that I have really enjoyed using, but I had a problem with my hands after I retired from the military, and notched the blades on both. How can get them restored to where I can get back to using them?
you know, i have done what i had todo to get a have with a straight razor. i did a 1k and a 3 k spent a combined 3-5 hours on both of them and ive gotten clean shaves with them. even cleaner than my safety razor. why is everyone saying its impossible to get a good shave out of a 3k finish when ive done exactly that. isnt it supposed to be "if it does a good job its a good razor" or something like that
Juan Barba - I don’t Juan but there are several out there. It’s a ratio of 3:1 or 7:1 and I even heard 10:1. That would be more passes on the side with the bigger angle. I’ve done a few over the years. Aside from the count, they’re the same. Oh, you may want to tape the spine as in many of the, the spine is a softer metal and can wear really fast compared to the edge.
Thank you I’ve seen some videos but I like the way you make it looks simple and the way you explain it so if there’s anyway you could make quick video I would appreciate it maybe just send it to me if you don’t want to do a whole vide on RU-vid and thanks again for the reply
Being bald as a billiard and no "decent" access to long enough hairs to test, I've never been one to ever consider the "falling hair test"... that's just me though. The tomato test works fine for me.
@@AllanDC97 that's not even close to the same thing. Even a relatively sharp knife that couldn't EVER be used as a razor will shave arm hair. This test he mentions uses the strength of the hair itself to test for sharpness instead of it being permanently anchored as arm hair is...
Not a fan of the modern German steel razors. Would suggest a Thiers Issard. If you go to my “What’s the best straight razor for beginners” video, there’s a link in the description from Knife Center (not the place I discuss in the video as that special is gone and the KC special is much better) for a TI razor for a really good price. Get a 6/8.
I understand that you need pressure when you do your honing to get enough metal off for a good sharp bevel. However, when I see you stropping you apply quite an amount of pressure too with the strap not being overly tight: Aren't you afraid of rounding off the edge?
