SMF

Sounds like your relationship with oil is changing. Maybe Imperia La Roccia stones? I have higher quality stones for 3K,6K,8K and 10K (Dalstrong & Japanese.) Only higher end stones I lack would be sub 3K. I may undertake one or two more restorations and afterwards it will only be about maintaini...

Most are the 8X3 dual colored corundum waterstones found on amazon. Soaked and pretty sure they are flat -- I use two nagura stones (600 & 8000) with occasional w/d sandpaper touchup. Two of four ebay purchased razors have turned out well to date. None were in usuable state when received. Possib...

A tricky one. The green stropping did produce a noticable improvement but no arrival. It may be intuitive as to the point of backtrack. My instinct is to return to honing at the high end (8 - 10K). The tomato reference was to the point I am convinced the edge has been set. It sliced quickly with onl...

Have a Shapleigh Diamond Edge I've been working on Drmoss. After two rounds of honing (3-10K) it's still not a satisfactory shave. No warping, easily passes tomato test. I suspect my next approach should be paste stropping, extensive.

Any particular sequence you advise?

Thanks.

Drmoss do you use diamond stones much? Did a modest stropping experiment: I've always had good pre-leather results from linen and denim so I wondered why not both? I combined the materials on a stropping board, being careful that the seam was closed & even Image1.jpg So far it works great. I'm g...

I've only had one razor barber shave and it wasn't satisfactory (allergic dermatitis reaction) but my self shaving, using a plethora of creams & gels has been fully satisfying. So far the only reaction I've had was to Cremo, but I found it makes a good leather soap so it wasn't wasted. You're cl...

If detergents generally make good lubricant one might give thought to soap substitutes such as Cetaphil -- developed to be more conditioning than detergents, hence more lubricating.

If I'm using a 1/16 rod it appears I can peen an outside washer instead of a rosette. What's the washer size?

My inquiry was not one of desperation. The jade and AK stones I have used with oil are supplementary to my razor projects and I will continue to use them as is. It is good to know that water stones should be stowed separately.

I am curious Drmoss: are there any times when you hone dry?

Yes. On the stone I've already used oil on (AK and jade) there's no going back I would guess.

I've seen Ark stones listed as oil only.

Presumably, if soap offers better lubrication, one could use KY Jelly to avoid the alkaline exposure.

Do you advise using the Ark stones dry? Ceramics? (Spyderco does)

Are the Spyderco rod sharpeners applicable for razors?

Dish soap in honing is new to me

Again thanks XX

For their celluloid scales Dovo advises no washers. Should I take that as a rule for all plastic scales and micarta?

Also I was admiring some camel bone scales listed, but would require drilling. Is bone a material the novice should avoid?

Thanks Drmoss.

check it out -- intriguing

[url][https://www.baxterofcalifornia.com/blue ... razors/url]

Any experience with the Hart Blue Steel? Appears one of a kind. I wonder if blue steel means higher maintenance . .

A few months ago I purchased from Aliexpress, based on reviews, around $28: It is carbon steel but required some light honing. Now it shaves superbly. Would that the Oxford achieved 70% of this performance!

Go figure.

Drmoss -- thanks much for the speedy info. I was thinking about ordering a cheap Chinese razor & just using the scales if I get a match. Been there? BTW the Oxford is in the drawer for now. I was able to get it almost flush but when I tried honing results were disappointing. Diminishing returns....

Will be starting my first scaling project soon. I'll be working with precut scales as I don't have the tools/experience to fashion my own. I've reviewed Youtube instructions (pretty good) but have some questions. I'd like to mine forum wisdom. -- some pinning kits include rosettes, some don't. I'm n...

Is there any reason for black coating a blade (e.g., Boker) other than aesthetic? Advantage or detriment?

Totally up to the Norns at this point. I'll be starting a newbie thread on scaling soon -- best we puy this anfractuous thread to sleep.