Progressive Straight Razor Honing Clinic – 9 Part Video Series

heavydutysg135 · 05-20-2008, 08:47 PM

Here is my 9 part honing series on Youtube. I need to give a huge thank you to all the people who attended the clinic and made this possible. Special thanks go to Jerad (Nickelking) for bringing his video camera and taping the long clinic; and to Tony (Richardhead) for handling all the format conversions, editing, and posting. As I have said before, there are many different ways to hone a razor (everyone probably has a slightly different approach) but my goal with this video series is to teach you what I consider the fundamentals so that you can have an easier time developing your own style. With proper instruction and practice everyone (except the few with significant disabilities) can put a great shaving edge on their razors and I hope that these videos can make the initial learning curve easier.

Due to the time constraints (not everyone could stay for a couple of days) I was not able to cover every topic. If a specific question comes to mind please feel free to ask the question in the form of a post in this thread (you can also send me a pm). You probably are not the only ones with that question and hopefully the further responses can benefit you as well as others. Depending on the response to this series I might decide to make a more “professionally produced” video in the future but I would need the assistance of people with video taping and producing skills. Hopefully the quality of these videos are good enough but if there is a fairly large demand for this series on DVD then I would be willing to make a run and sell them for a low price. I hope that you enjoy the videos and welcome any constructive criticism, feedback, questions, and/or comments.

David Polan (heavydutysg135)

Part 1: Introduction, Overview, and Stone Selection

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cvYIzgcfTAg&feature=related

Part 2: Technique and Bevel/Edge Setting Theory

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hAC0siWGkP4&feature=related

Part 3: Sharpness Tests (TPT, TNT, HHT)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6_-YhJdie2s&feature=related

Part 4: Setting the Bevel

http://youtube.com/watch?v=raCek9ysO_w&feature=related

Part 5: Polishing Theory and Stage 1 Polishing

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcoy2k5VkXA&feature=related

Part 6: Stage 2 Polishing

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BTT38PJO2tk&feature=related

Part 7: Double Bevel Theory

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yhJkQheVCRA&feature=related

Part 8: Permanent Marker Test for Double Bevel, Rolling Hone Stroke for Smile

http://youtube.com/watch?v=s1Wsvs4oeYs&feature=related

Part 9: Rolling Hone Stroke for Warped Razor and Q&A

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IumHXAUZnw4&feature=related

heavydutysg135 · 05-20-2008, 09:10 PM

FWIW The razor honed in the video was Matt's (Mvforza) Goldbug. When we were done honing it there was very little hone wear and Matt told me that it was his best shaving 5/8 razor after he tested it a few days later.

Chris L · 05-20-2008, 09:19 PM

Cool, I got to post the first reply:

David....................thank you thank you thank you! I only had a chance to sneak a quick peek at work, but I love what I've seen so far. You've done a huge service. Thanks Jerad for the camera work and all the other guys who attended.

This is great.

Chris L

Navaja · 05-20-2008, 10:13 PM

David:

Great job, this will be very helpful to newbies like myself, as well as more experienced people.

Nickelking · 05-20-2008, 10:22 PM

I'll be rewatching it later today now that I can focus a bit more on the subject matter

heavydutysg135 · 05-20-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickelking

I'll be rewatching it later today now that I can focus a bit more on the subject matter

Haha, thanks again for taping these Jerad. I can't believe that you were able to hold the camera so straight for so long

Leofric · 05-20-2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks so much for making and posting this David

. This is what noobs like myself pray for. Ive watched the first three and they're great. Gonna watch the rest now, just wanted to get in early with some

.

Thanks again
Leon

heavydutysg135 · 05-20-2008, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leofric

Thanks so much for making and posting this David

. This is what noobs like myself pray for. Ive watched the first three and they're great. Gonna watch the rest now, just wanted to get in early with some

.

Thanks again
Leon

I am very glad that you are enjoying the videos Leon, and hope that the information helps you in your honing journey.

David.

jnich67 · 05-21-2008, 12:33 AM

Thank you David. Very informative. I'm currently working on a Bengall with a slight smile and perhaps a very slight warp. The rolling hone stroke part was helpful.

Jordan

nun2sharp · 05-21-2008, 12:33 AM

You can talk about it all day long, but until you can get your hands on it, its just talk. Now people can see.Always wanted to see what the fuss was concerning some of these stones. Now I know.You've done a lot of people a world of good. Great job!!

gssixgun · 05-21-2008, 12:52 AM

David how could ya post this on my day off??? I have to wait till the morning when I get to work so I can watch it on HS internet

Can't wait!!!!!

netsurfr · 05-21-2008, 12:58 AM

Great production! You have provided a great service for the forum.

SIB · 05-21-2008, 06:14 AM

Excellent work David! thanks for taking the time to do this, i cant wait for the next get together.

poona · 05-21-2008, 04:19 PM

Fantastic David,

What an awesome resource now for the new guys and old non-honing guys alike to refer to. Excellent detail and quality presentation mate. Very well done.

I think I speak for us all when I say, thank you for taking the time to make this. This contribution to the community will be very well received.

heavydutysg135 · 05-21-2008, 05:05 PM

Thank you everyone for the kind words! It feels really good to get positive feedback from the community on these.

David

bjrn · 05-21-2008, 08:07 PM

I had some time, so I watched the whole series in one go today. Great stuff, thank you so much for posting the videos!

heavydutysg135 · 05-21-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjrn

I had some time, so I watched the whole series in one go today. Great stuff, thank you so much for posting the videos!

You are welcome. I'm really glad that you liked them.

Bart · 05-21-2008, 11:32 PM

Very well done, David. You're quite an eloquent teacher, and it sounds as if you guys had a real good time during that honing clinic.

Everyone who's ever getting serious about purchasing Ebay razors, or even buying new ones with a factory edge, and plans on honing those himself, should watch this video first.

I particularly liked that first illustrative sketch.

Watched the whole series at once, and completely lost track of the time. Thanks for putting this together.

Bart.

heavydutysg135 · 05-21-2008, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bart

I particularly liked that first illustrative sketch.

Bart.

I liked it too when you sent it to me with your honing guide, which is why I decided to incorporate it in the lesson. I appologize for not giving you credit in the video; there was a lot going through my head at the time as you could probably imagine and I forgot to give you your shout out. Thanks again.