Being new to straight razors, I've seen numerous videos that demonstrate time consuming and expensive ways to accomplish what you've shown me here. Your video is simple, economic, and informative. I shall make the initial investment and learn how to maintain my straight razor with the confidence you've shown me. Thank you.
Sir. I am a 2nd generation barber from the infamous 8 mile road in Detroit Michigan. I would like to thank you for this video. This is a dying art. And people like you keep it alive. Thank you.
Thank you so much for that, I have spent un told hours on some razors and got absolutely nothing I'm sure some were sharper when I started. One a full wedge was has been laughing at me for over a year. So as I watched you i decided to check it on a peice of floated glass and found out it was curved from front to back. Following your advice I took the bow out and using no tape I passed it over my charnley forest a dozen passes and it was catching the hairs on my arm. I am sure I will be shaving with it tonight
This is a very helpful video. I’ve just got into straight razor shaving and would like to hone my own razors but without getting too much into the art of honing - I just want to keep a great edge so I get a smooth close shave. Thanks for breaking this down to the fundamentals.
I been using a DE razor and sharpen my own knives for the last five years. I watch a lot of RUclips and this is by far the best informative video I’ve seen in five years. You did the hands on first and the. Educated on the back end. I want to go to a straight razor. This is helped with confidence I can at least sharpen it right. Shaving....... maybe a lot of manual education. Thank you!
Dr. Matt I took your recommendation and go the IRL stone and I am extremely happy with the stone. Using your running water method I am getting some amazing edges. Again thanks!
one thing for sure. polishing a sword is WAAAAAY different than honing a straight razor. having a lot more difficulty than I expected! even though they're both simple high carbon steel lol. getting AN edge. Sharpie ink all gone, hangs and grips my nail a lot, cuts paper on a whim, but can't seem to get it to pass the hair test! Like I said, your technique is great, considering all the guys who never even touch the end 3rds of their stones lol as easy as it LOOKS, and really is, it isn't. if you know what I mean. don't let anyone bug you about that. I still have lots of work to do.
Shaved with my edge off the ILR today and it worked great. BBS shave with no irritation. What impressed me was how keen yet smooth the edge felt. It was almost like a coticle edge but keener.. I am impressed. Thanks for your help Dr. Matt!
great explanation Not took the jump to straight yet. looks like maintaining the edge is easier than learning to strop correctly. Off work for a few weeks after an op on my hand so going to be watching a lot more of your content. great work.
You know what I watched this again today on the computer. On the larger monitor screen the edge you magnified is clear as day that the edge is so refined. Never ceases to amaze me how good the ILR is for the money. Keith Johnstone must have been very unlucky to have caught two bad stones or he's got some other reason to say what he did. At the end of the day the stone works. Best maintenance video Dr Matt, when it's time I always give it a quick watch as a reminder. Just as a motivator to do it.. lol
Dr. Matt, I just bought my first straight razor this Black Friday. I checked the spine, doesn't need beveling, but it's not as sharp as I'd like it to be. I watched this video a little late though and already ordered an 8k Aluminum Oxide stone and a Naniwa Gouken 12k. The razor doesn't pull on my skin, but it also doesn't want to shave close so it might need to be honed... or it could just be " operator error " involved. 🤣Not sure about that yet. I definitely wanted to hone it anyway just for the sake of removing that problem from the list. Your videos, especially this one have given me an edge ( no pun intended ) on getting this razor honed when the stones get here and in the future when regular maintenance is required. I made the choice to switch to a straight razor mainly because I've been using the ol' school single razor disposable ( the double sided kind that tucks into the all metal safety razor ) for the last 3 years and I'm just getting tired of spending money on refills. I knew if I took this route, it'd pay for itself inside of 6 months.
Great video Dr Matt. I really like the demonstration of the different scratch patterns, and would love to see more of it. Maybe do a video where you do the same procedure and show black arkansas, spyderco UF and of course many more :D Keep up the good work.
Thanks again Dr Matt, I now know it's more affordable to being able to get started and to maintain a razor. I just hope I can put it to my wife as well as you have educated me on this. Very best regards Gordon. 🙏👍👌
I am just getting into the straight razor style of shaving. Thanks for your candor on stones. I bought the Kuromako 8000, & the ILR stone. The price of the ILR's have jumped since you made this vid. They now cost 65.00.
The regular 2X6 (not premium) is still $50 and with the DRMATT2X6 discount code, you save $5. www.imperialaroccia.com/store/2-x-6-ILR-STANDARD-Standard-12-15k-Hone-p129339007
I'm a woodworker, I have a Norton india combination for really hogging off metal. I own a set of Smiths Arkansas stones that takes me from soft, hard and black. I usually start with my Hard and move to the black for normal honing and strop for a good edge. Most of the tools I have found "in the wild" have had really neglected edges.
when u killed the edge, and it worked going to 8k right away doesnt that imply that its setting the bevel? Do we even need a stone under 8k ever? ( in theory) NVM Watched ur Razor Bevel setting video, U really need to make a 1 hour or so video, 101 SR. Cus after watching most of ur videos, u make the most sense. Great videos man
Thanks Eli and sorry but I'm just seeing your comment. After the bevel has been set, yes, really only need the 8K and finisher. Watch my Geometry series on how I find and fix these problems.
Great video. I’ve been using a shavette for about a year and have been apprehensive about moving to a real straight razor because of the cost and difficulty of maintaining them. After watching this I’m definitely want to try a straight razor.
Sir, I want to thank you for this video. I have a Thiers Issard "Spécial Coiffeur", 6/8 and Half Hollow, and your technique made it the perfect razor for my beard. And yes by the way, I also saved say $200 or more haha!
Great vid Dr Matt...first one I have seen..Just starting out with straights and it really helped on the honing aspect. Although I have the Norton 4/8K and a Chinese 12K I was able to get a really good hone and a very nice shave. I ordered the ILR and fire hose strop and we will see some incremental improvements hopefully. I really like the edge shots juxtaposed at the end..very informative.. Your channel will hold a place of honor..and look forward to more. Again thanks..really good stuff
Thank you Randy. I've tried the Chinese stone before and didn't have much luck with it but I believe I had a bad one. They have a problem with consistency. Good luck with the ILR and let us know how it goes.
I know how to sharpen cooking knives to a razors edge and was wondering if it's the same with a straight razor and I believe it's similar. Thanks for the Informative video.
Update....Dr Matt, I haven't sharpened any of my razors as of yet, using the Franz Swaty barber hone only....and that was about 4 years ago. Truly, to maintain the sharp edge on the razor, a barber's hone is all I need. However, my skin is very sensitive, I don't use synthetic stones, only the FS barber hone, and even with that I use the 1:2 ratio.....5 edge leading strokes followed by 10 edge trailing strokes only. Over the years I learned that edge trailing strokes take the bite out of a sharp edge, while keeping the edge every bit as sharp as any edge leading strokes does. Every shave is very comfortable and I never have any inflammation problems
@@drmatt357 LOL! I have 8 straight razors in the rotation, and all my better razors still have the original factory setting on. Now in all fairness, 2 of those razors are Chinese razors, one is the Azuma is Japanese razor and I do a touch up on them yearly, but the rest...2 Dovo' a Booker, a Ralf Aust a Bismark still have their original factory settings. All I do after a shave, I use the Franz Swaty barber hone and have 5 edge leading strokes, followed by 10 edge trailing strokes for a 1:2 ratio, and then I use 40 passes on a linen strop, followed by 50-60 strokes on a Kanoyama, and 15 passes on my palm. My Franz Swaty barber hone is of brown color and it reads: Franz Swaty Wahring bei Wien (Austria). I wonder how old is it? That's it...I have never touched up on any stone my German razors since I purchased them....and that was about 4 years ago. Do I like them? I love all of them!!!.....including my 2 cheap Gold Dollar Chinese razors.
Awesome tutorial, thank you so much for sharing. Just getting into str8 razors and your video was so helpful. All I have have is the Norton 8k 4K going to buy the the finishing stone you recommend.
I saw a video last night where the guy who is apparently very reputable as far as sharpening goes made an example of using just the norton 4000/8000 grit combo stone. I forget his name but I’m sure if you searched you’d find it pretty fast Then you can still shave while you acquire the finishing pieces
Good god man.... you really really truely love the sound of your owen voice..... i really like the way you do want to be a master at your craft and want to share it with the world that my freind is very awsome.... so i geuss just keep on keeping on man....
Good day DrMatt. I made my entry in to straight razor shaving a couple years back, and after discovering this video, made my purchase of both of the stones recommended in this video. I rewatch it every time I'm going to refresh my razors. First I'll thank you for the info and instruction. Very valuable to me... I've had great success in maintaining both my razors without issues. I'm curious, how often do you think the stones need to be re-lapped over time with granite and sandpaper? Thank you ~Drew
Thank you Drew and I'm glad you can benefit from the content. My 8K stone since I use a slurry on it, I lap it every time I use it. The ILR, since I only use it under running water with no slurry, I honestly can't remember the last time I lapped it so you could finish dozens of razors on it. Then you could always get a straight edge and check them for when they start to dish and lap them then.
Dr Matt, what a great video! My stable of razors either have your PERFECT edge on them or the bevel isn't set and the 8k isn't effective. My wife got me another razor for Christmas and the bevel was close enough for me to play with. After shaving with your coticule edge for months now (daily shaves) I was shocked at two things: First, how easy this ILR is to use. I'm sure my 12 year old son could put a great edge on a blade with this stone. Second, how good the shave is, even compared to your perfect coticule edge. Different for sure, even surprisingly different but still very good. You talk in this video about how satisfying it is to put an edge on a razor that you use... Boy are you right! Thanks for the great information.
ehh doc love your vids I just bought a Chinese natural polishing stone from woodcraft in Minneapolis it's about 12000 grit for 26 us talk about a steal cheers
Thank you sir - I am ordering these and will try them as my go-to from now on and see how it works long term - I get mixed results sending my straights out and would rather just learn to do it myself .
I hone my own razors I finish on a 12k naniwa but man that ilr stone is amazingly impressive I'm gonna get one and try it out I also restore razors if they ain't in to bad of shape
The 12k naniwa is a very nice finisher. The ILR is similar but still a natural edge finish and I think they feel a bit better. That's hard to explain but let us know how it goes when you get it. Thanks for the comment.
I tried sanding my stones and never got good enough results. I spent around 15 EUR and trashed all after wearing down my stones considerably and still the were concave. The slurry never moved along the whole edge and it was hard to catch the edges. Then I purchased an Atoma 400 and it was a revelation in my bevel setting and honing. Planar hones and a slurry in no time with less stone wear than before.
In all these years, you’re the only one who got it but the way it works is if you twirl across the room on the way to getting busy, your gal may actually like you by the time you arrive. 😉😆
Spend the extra money on a diamond flattening plate, I used the sand paper method a messed up all my fine grit naniwa stones, when the sand paper starts to wear down those pieces embed into the stone, luckily I only used one side with the sand paper method or I would have had to buy new stones.
Dr Matt....great video, and very instructional. But I would like to add another way to maintain a SR Edge. Using a barber's hone . That is all I use to maintain the edge. How effective is it? Ever since I use the barber"s hone (Franz Swaty) the last time I touched up my razors (with a stone) was well over a year ago, and they are every bit as sharp as they were when I first started using it. About the ELR.....its a great finishing stone, but if you use it in combination with a coticule (8000 grit) and an Escher (around 10000 grit) the ELR, the edge it puts out gives by far the most comfortable shave. Nothing beats it, not even a JNat....
Fantastic! I ordered my first strop from your recommendation. Now I have a good idea where to start getting the proper stones and how to use them. That Japanese frameback was shave ready as advertised so hopefully I will be able to find out if the person used tape.
Dr Matt, I realize this is an old video, but I enjoyed it. I wondered what you use for magnification. Would you mind sharing what you are using now? Maybe everyone would enjoy a video.
Feb 2024: I clicked the link to the ILR website and they now label it as "New Orleans, LA." They also explain the "grit rating" issue in detail as you do.
Hey DrMatt! thanks for the awesome videos! I wonder if your recommendations changed after 7 years of this video being published, will wait for the update!
Still a good choice. I don’t recall if I said I’m the video but I believe you should be proficient with synthetic stones first before going to natural stones. But the ILR is a great transitional stone for the reasons stated.
I believe you honed my 2 straights a year or so ago. I’d like to again, hoped you were still at it. One was done coticule and the other Japanese stones, I think. I preferred the coticule. At the outset, it was probably less sharp but more comfortable to me. Both worked fantastically and with careful stropping have been beautiful tools since. We did the work without tape. I acquired another razor, supposedly shave ready. I tried it and it’s not up to your standards. I’d like to send that one too. I don’t know what you’re charging now, so I need to know what to pay you and get your address. Also, I bought sleeves you recommended that keeps my Shaver’s from rust. Impregnated with silicone, I think. Mine need to be recharged and I hope you can tell me what ‘oil’ I need and where to get it. Respectfully Greg Vandenberghe, 11497 S. Kestrel Rise rd, South Jordan, Utah 84009 gvdb52@gmail.com
Hey, RUclips nation: Listen to your Doctor! Received my ILR stone last night and was so anxious to give it a try that I began sharpening a razor without lapping the stone first (didn't have anything for the job). The razor got sticky, but when I tested the edge on some cherry tomatoes, only the heel and toe would cut. "Weird," thinks I. Mild anxiety setting in; perhaps I won't be able to do this after all. Picked up a granite tile and some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper this afternoon and set out to lap the ILR. Drew a grid pattern on the face of the stone and started lapping. Guess what? There was a nice long, oval pattern down the center of the stone that was not contacting the sandpaper! Exactly what you need if you only want to sharpen the heel and toe of your razor. Flattened the stone and re-honed the razor. Now it's sharp along entire length of the edge. Moral of the story: Listen to your Doctor! Thanks Dr. Matt.
Very well done Matt! Excellent instructions for beginners. Simple, logical, effective and inexpensive. I even gleaned a pointer of this myself. Pleasure to watch.
Hi dr.Matt! I’ve been watching your videos for a few weeks now and find them really informative! Anyway, I got my first straight razor for Christmas and after just watching your “sharpening your first new razor” video and then this one I’m just curious as to why you put the electrical tape on it to start with and then don’t bother putting it on with other razors? Again, thanks a lot for all your head these past few weeks
I am lucky that even though I live in CA, My town seem to have many still supportive of the Second Amendment. I wear a seven point six two shirt around town and get complements all the time, I even have no problem wearing it where I work.
Hey Doc, I'm amazed at the wealth of information you continue to share and appreciate it. I've looked around for the fire hose strop and see many many options. I'm sure you have answered this question on one of your other videos but I don't see it in this thread... Where do I obtain one that meets your standards?
Hi Dr. Matt! Could you offer some updated advice about which stones are the best for their price? The ILRs are 3x the price they used to be and I'm seeking a good yet cheap stone to start with. I can't always borrow my dad's. I just ordered my first razors and I'm excited to get to use them soon. Many Thanks & Happy Holidays!
Sorry Ninqi as I'm just seeing this. The stone has only gone up $10. You probably saw the premium grade. I still just use this one: imperialaroccia.com/6standard.htm
Dr. Matt, very helpful vid. Thanks for putting it together! I notice that the ILR website offers a "Premium" grade for this stone. I wonder if this accounts for some of the variability in opinion about how well they hone? Do you know whether the stone sent to you for testing was standard or "premium"?
Yeah, I specifically requested the standard grade. I've tried the premium and honestly, couldn't tell the difference. I get a kick out of some people. They want to buy the bigger stone and/or the Premium grade. Seems it's hard for some to accept that a $35-$40 stone works well. It does!
Man I’ve done the exact process and it has created a phenomenal edge upon my razor! The cutting edge is amazing
Awesome!! Great to hear.
Being new to straight razors, I've seen numerous videos that demonstrate time consuming and expensive ways to accomplish what you've shown me here. Your video is simple, economic, and informative. I shall make the initial investment and learn how to maintain my straight razor with the confidence you've shown me. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Sir.
I am a 2nd generation barber from the infamous 8 mile road in Detroit Michigan. I would like to thank you for this video. This is a dying art. And people like you keep it alive. Thank you.
Thank you Darryl! It's making a strong comeback and will be around for a while. :-)
Dr. Matt; bringing science, visuals, education and pocketbook concerns into our world with a smile.
Hah! Thanks George.
Thank you so much for that, I have spent un told hours on some razors and got absolutely nothing I'm sure some were sharper when I started. One a full wedge was has been laughing at me for over a year. So as I watched you i decided to check it on a peice of floated glass and found out it was curved from front to back. Following your advice I took the bow out and using no tape I passed it over my charnley forest a dozen passes and it was catching the hairs on my arm. I am sure I will be shaving with it tonight
This is a very helpful video. I’ve just got into straight razor shaving and would like to hone my own razors but without getting too much into the art of honing - I just want to keep a great edge so I get a smooth close shave. Thanks for breaking this down to the fundamentals.
I been using a DE razor and sharpen my own knives for the last five years. I watch a lot of RUclips and this is by far the best informative video I’ve seen in five years. You did the hands on first and the. Educated on the back end. I want to go to a straight razor. This is helped with confidence I can at least sharpen it right. Shaving....... maybe a lot of manual education. Thank you!
This is great Matt. Easy to understand for beginners like me. Thanks for making it.
Yes
After using the Imperia La Roccia the shaving was nice and smooth despite the dry shave. Thanks for the information and techniques!
Thanks for the video even this
many years it is still helping
I run dry laps on the ILR with my blades as the final step of my progression, and I think I get better edges as well.
what steel? Is the stone wearing off fast with tool steel or high carbon blades?
Finally a way to refresh the edge without messy pastes! Thank you Dr Matt!
Dr. Matt
I took your recommendation and go the IRL stone and I am extremely happy with the stone. Using your running water method I am getting some amazing edges. Again thanks!
Grant Lockwood, I can't get ahold of the stone. Lucky you!
My ILR is scheduled for delivery today... I. definitely going to try that on my Fili after I get it lapped. Thanks for making this video, Matt!
How are you liking your stone ?
Love your .45 T-Shirt!
Awesome video.. ILR was my first finisher and still have a very special place between my stones..
You still like your ILR stone ?
what would you recommend for one stone from edge to finish other than coticule?
Thanks for the video. Love that shirt. My EDC is a Springfield Range Officer Elite Champion 1911 in .45ACP.
HAWKEYE OFTHEEYE - The only way to roll! Thanks for stopping by. 😁👍🏻
I Love my Smith and Wesson performance center 1911 here. .45 cause shooting twice is just silly! how great is that statement!!!
one thing for sure. polishing a sword is WAAAAAY different than honing a straight razor. having a lot more difficulty than I expected! even though they're both simple high carbon steel lol. getting AN edge. Sharpie ink all gone, hangs and grips my nail a lot, cuts paper on a whim, but can't seem to get it to pass the hair test!
Like I said, your technique is great, considering all the guys who never even touch the end 3rds of their stones lol as easy as it LOOKS, and really is, it isn't. if you know what I mean. don't let anyone bug you about that. I still have lots of work to do.
Shaved with my edge off the ILR today and it worked great. BBS shave with no irritation. What impressed me was how keen yet smooth the edge felt. It was almost like a coticle edge but keener.. I am impressed. Thanks for your help Dr. Matt!
great explanation Not took the jump to straight yet. looks like maintaining the edge is easier than learning to strop correctly. Off work for a few weeks after an op on my hand so going to be watching a lot more of your content. great work.
You sir, you have conquered the art of honing an edge toe-heel so sharp it shaves. Well done!
Thanks Mate!
You know what I watched this again today on the computer. On the larger monitor screen the edge you magnified is clear as day that the edge is so refined.
Never ceases to amaze me how good the ILR is for the money.
Keith Johnstone must have been very unlucky to have caught two bad stones or he's got some other reason to say what he did.
At the end of the day the stone works.
Best maintenance video Dr Matt, when it's time I always give it a quick watch as a reminder. Just as a motivator to do it.. lol
Keith is a narcissist
Dr. Matt, I just bought my first straight razor this Black Friday. I checked the spine, doesn't need beveling, but it's not as sharp as I'd like it to be. I watched this video a little late though and already ordered an 8k Aluminum Oxide stone and a Naniwa Gouken 12k. The razor doesn't pull on my skin, but it also doesn't want to shave close so it might need to be honed... or it could just be " operator error " involved. 🤣Not sure about that yet. I definitely wanted to hone it anyway just for the sake of removing that problem from the list.
Your videos, especially this one have given me an edge ( no pun intended ) on getting this razor honed when the stones get here and in the future when regular maintenance is required. I made the choice to switch to a straight razor mainly because I've been using the ol' school single razor disposable ( the double sided kind that tucks into the all metal safety razor ) for the last 3 years and I'm just getting tired of spending money on refills. I knew if I took this route, it'd pay for itself inside of 6 months.
Great video Dr Matt. I really like the demonstration of the different scratch patterns, and would love to see more of it. Maybe do a video where you do the same procedure and show black arkansas, spyderco UF and of course many more :D
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again Dr Matt, I now know it's more affordable to being able to get started and to maintain a razor. I just hope I can put it to my wife as well as you have educated me on this.
Very best regards Gordon. 🙏👍👌
Have her give me a call. I'll straighten that situation out!
your coming back with force Dr Matt. watching now!
First video out of dozens I've watched that actually helps instead of making me more confused. Thank you sir. *Subscribed.
Thanks Mate and glad you could benefit from the content! 😁
I am just getting into the straight razor style of shaving. Thanks for your candor on stones. I bought the Kuromako 8000, & the ILR stone. The price of the ILR's have jumped since you made this vid. They now cost 65.00.
The regular 2X6 (not premium) is still $50 and with the DRMATT2X6 discount code, you save $5.
www.imperialaroccia.com/store/2-x-6-ILR-STANDARD-Standard-12-15k-Hone-p129339007
There $180 bucks here in canada.
I'm a woodworker, I have a Norton india combination for really hogging off metal. I own a set of Smiths Arkansas stones that takes me from soft, hard and black. I usually start with my Hard and move to the black for normal honing and strop for a good edge. Most of the tools I have found "in the wild" have had really neglected edges.
I just had bought me a shapton 8K stone and I’ve bought the ILR so I’m going to do this same thing to get that cutting edge sharp!
Thanks great video. I've managed to recover 2 razors after watching
Steve Dornan - Great job there Steve! See, it’s actually pretty simple. 😜
Very nice! I think I just found my finishing stone. Thanks a lot!
Great video.
when u killed the edge, and it worked going to 8k right away doesnt that imply that its setting the bevel? Do we even need a stone under 8k ever? ( in theory) NVM Watched ur Razor Bevel setting video, U really need to make a 1 hour or so video, 101 SR. Cus after watching most of ur videos, u make the most sense. Great videos man
Thanks Eli and sorry but I'm just seeing your comment. After the bevel has been set, yes, really only need the 8K and finisher. Watch my Geometry series on how I find and fix these problems.
The man knows his stuff!
Great video. I’ve been using a shavette for about a year and have been apprehensive about moving to a real straight razor because of the cost and difficulty of maintaining them. After watching this I’m definitely want to try a straight razor.
Took me a decent amount of searching, but this was the video that helped me finally understand the honing process (with good results at home, too).
Right on!
Sir, I want to thank you for this video. I have a Thiers Issard "Spécial Coiffeur", 6/8 and Half Hollow, and your technique made it the perfect razor for my beard. And yes by the way, I also saved say $200 or more haha!
Great to hear Chris. I’m glad you could put the content to use and way to go sticking it to The Man!😉
Great vid Dr Matt...first one I have seen..Just starting out with straights and it really helped on the honing aspect. Although I have the Norton 4/8K and a Chinese 12K I was able to get a really good hone and a very nice shave. I ordered the ILR and fire hose strop and we will see some incremental improvements hopefully. I really like the edge shots juxtaposed at the end..very informative.. Your channel will hold a place of honor..and look forward to more. Again thanks..really good stuff
Thank you Randy. I've tried the Chinese stone before and didn't have much luck with it but I believe I had a bad one. They have a problem with consistency. Good luck with the ILR and let us know how it goes.
The system you demonstrate here works perfect.
I got that ILR hone the standard stone! Ultra fine! Thing is awesome! And their 3 inch wide strop the horween Latino leather
Just did my first touch up on the ILR using what I learned in this video to great results.
Andy Dixon - Well done Mate! Feels good... doesn’t it!😏
Thank you for the video Dr. Matt, you've provided a ton of insight for me and I really appreciate the help. Well done sir!
Nate Fair m
Thanks! just found this after many years. subbed :) have a great day
thanks so much for your feedback it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Doc. Loved your technique on the ILR. Pulled mine out, tried it and holy cow...WONDERFUL!!! Thanks soooo much.
Thanks Chuck. I'd really like to hear from anyone else who has tried this technique and how were your results?
got the ILR! works great!. wish you made more educational videos!
You still impressed with your ILR stone ?
Great video Matt :) Just ordered myself a ILR
I know how to sharpen cooking knives to a razors edge and was wondering if it's the same with a straight razor and I believe it's similar. Thanks for the Informative video.
Update....Dr Matt, I haven't sharpened any of my razors as of yet, using the Franz Swaty barber hone only....and that was about 4 years ago. Truly, to maintain the sharp edge on the razor, a barber's hone is all I need. However, my skin is very sensitive, I don't use synthetic stones, only the FS barber hone, and even with that I use the 1:2 ratio.....5 edge leading strokes followed by 10 edge trailing strokes only. Over the years I learned that edge trailing strokes take the bite out of a sharp edge, while keeping the edge every bit as sharp as any edge leading strokes does. Every shave is very comfortable and I never have any inflammation problems
KSSaint - For 4 years and you still like it? Stick with it. BTW, that’s longer than my wife liked me!
@@drmatt357 LOL! I have 8 straight razors in the rotation, and all my better razors still have the original factory setting on. Now in all fairness, 2 of those razors are Chinese razors, one is the Azuma is Japanese razor and I do a touch up on them yearly, but the rest...2 Dovo' a Booker, a Ralf Aust a Bismark still have their original factory settings. All I do after a shave, I use the Franz Swaty barber hone and have 5 edge leading strokes, followed by 10 edge trailing strokes for a 1:2 ratio, and then I use 40 passes on a linen strop, followed by 50-60 strokes on a Kanoyama, and 15 passes on my palm. My Franz Swaty barber hone is of brown color and it reads: Franz Swaty Wahring bei Wien (Austria). I wonder how old is it? That's it...I have never touched up on any stone my German razors since I purchased them....and that was about 4 years ago. Do I like them? I love all of them!!!.....including my 2 cheap Gold Dollar Chinese razors.
This is the best ILR video ever!
H. Al. - It certainly is Al! Thanks for tuning in. 😉
Awesome tutorial, thank you so much for sharing. Just getting into str8 razors and your video was so helpful. All I have have is the Norton 8k 4K going to buy the the finishing stone you recommend.
I saw a video last night where the guy who is apparently very reputable as far as sharpening goes made an example of using just the norton 4000/8000 grit combo stone.
I forget his name but I’m sure if you searched you’d find it pretty fast
Then you can still shave while you acquire the finishing pieces
Good god man.... you really really truely love the sound of your owen voice..... i really like the way you do want to be a master at your craft and want to share it with the world that my freind is very awsome....
so i geuss just keep on keeping on man....
Good day DrMatt. I made my entry in to straight razor shaving a couple years back, and after discovering this video, made my purchase of both of the stones recommended in this video. I rewatch it every time I'm going to refresh my razors. First I'll thank you for the info and instruction. Very valuable to me... I've had great success in maintaining both my razors without issues. I'm curious, how often do you think the stones need to be re-lapped over time with granite and sandpaper? Thank you ~Drew
Thank you Drew and I'm glad you can benefit from the content. My 8K stone since I use a slurry on it, I lap it every time I use it. The ILR, since I only use it under running water with no slurry, I honestly can't remember the last time I lapped it so you could finish dozens of razors on it. Then you could always get a straight edge and check them for when they start to dish and lap them then.
Thank you! @@drmatt357
Dr Matt, what a great video! My stable of razors either have your PERFECT edge on them or the bevel isn't set and the 8k isn't effective. My wife got me another razor for Christmas and the bevel was close enough for me to play with. After shaving with your coticule edge for months now (daily shaves) I was shocked at two things: First, how easy this ILR is to use. I'm sure my 12 year old son could put a great edge on a blade with this stone. Second, how good the shave is, even compared to your perfect coticule edge. Different for sure, even surprisingly different but still very good.
You talk in this video about how satisfying it is to put an edge on a razor that you use... Boy are you right! Thanks for the great information.
Really great video, thanks! You answered my question comparing 12k Naniwa vs ILR.
Great video instruction. Thanks for the slides at the end, really drives home your point.
love your videos I am going to remember to get the ilr as soon as I get back to the US. love your videos and smile.
Thanks Tal. Appreciate that.😃
Excellent instructional video. Thank you so much!👍👍
ehh doc love your vids I just bought a Chinese natural polishing stone from woodcraft in Minneapolis it's about 12000 grit for 26 us talk about a steal cheers
BRAVO! Keep posting your enjoyable videos Doc!
Thank you sir - I am ordering these and will try them as my go-to from now on and see how it works long term - I get mixed results sending my straights out and would rather just learn to do it myself
.
That’s the way to do it!
thanks dr it help me understand better.
I hone my own razors I finish on a 12k naniwa but man that ilr stone is amazingly impressive I'm gonna get one and try it out
I also restore razors if they ain't in to bad of shape
The 12k naniwa is a very nice finisher. The ILR is similar but still a natural edge finish and I think they feel a bit better. That's hard to explain but let us know how it goes when you get it. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you... This is a great tutorial for edge maintenance.
I tried sanding my stones and never got good enough results. I spent around 15 EUR and trashed all after wearing down my stones considerably and still the were concave. The slurry never moved along the whole edge and it was hard to catch the edges. Then I purchased an Atoma 400 and it was a revelation in my bevel setting and honing. Planar hones and a slurry in no time with less stone wear than before.
Awesome! The right equipment matters!!
great video. keep em coming. love the microscope shots.
the irony was recognized. cheers Dr matt.
+caleb McCullough (Blistersteel) LOL! Good catch Caleb. I knew a few of you would get it.
So if I'll start using circle strokes for the whole length of my rock hard... polishing stone then I'll gain some extra inches ?
In all these years, you’re the only one who got it but the way it works is if you twirl across the room on the way to getting busy, your gal may actually like you by the time you arrive. 😉😆
Spend the extra money on a diamond flattening plate, I used the sand paper method a messed up all my fine grit naniwa stones, when the sand paper starts to wear down those pieces embed into the stone, luckily I only used one side with the sand paper method or I would have had to buy new stones.
Sorry for the veeery delayed follow up question, how does the use of sandpaper for flattening a stone mess it up?
@@peterwolf8149It doesn't he's speaking out of his ass.
Thank you for posting this video. Awesome!
Dr Matt....great video, and very instructional. But I would like to add another way to maintain a SR Edge. Using a barber's hone . That is all I use to maintain the edge. How effective is it? Ever since I use the barber"s hone (Franz Swaty) the last time I touched up my razors (with a stone) was well over a year ago, and they are every bit as sharp as they were when I first started using it. About the ELR.....its a great finishing stone, but if you use it in combination with a coticule (8000 grit) and an Escher (around 10000 grit) the ELR, the edge it puts out gives by far the most comfortable shave. Nothing beats it, not even a JNat....
Yes, many ways to skin this cat. We all have our favorite edges and will fight to the death to convince everyone else of it. LOL!
Fantastic! I ordered my first strop from your recommendation. Now I have a good idea where to start getting the proper stones and how to use them. That Japanese frameback was shave ready as advertised so hopefully I will be able to find out if the person used tape.
Dr Matt, I realize this is an old video, but I enjoyed it. I wondered what you use for magnification. Would you mind sharing what you are using now? Maybe everyone would enjoy a video.
I'm way ahead of you Rick! ruclips.net/video/49ERZiDbDj4/видео.htmlsi=2BINSwSXeF_waCyy
Thanks for the video. Very helpful and informative.
works brilliantly thank you
Feb 2024: I clicked the link to the ILR website and they now label it as "New Orleans, LA." They also explain the "grit rating" issue in detail as you do.
Great video Dr Matt! I enjoyed watching this
Thanks Peter. Appreciate you watching.
Fantastic shirt! Couldn't agree more. Great video also, thanks for all of the great info!
Toeknee Doovila - Thank you Sir and I appreciate you tuning in. 😏
Hey DrMatt! thanks for the awesome videos! I wonder if your recommendations changed after 7 years of this video being published, will wait for the update!
Still a good choice. I don’t recall if I said I’m the video but I believe you should be proficient with synthetic stones first before going to natural stones. But the ILR is a great transitional stone for the reasons stated.
Awesome honing techniques. This is a great help!
Now I understand, thank you Dr Matt..
TASLIM TOHARY - You’re welcome Taslim and Thank you for the sub!
Great video! I love my ILR.
Nice video ! Insightful and informative 👏
thnks a lot man, i recover my old straight razor.
Dr. Matt, you rock!! :) awesome video
Thanks Mate!
I believe you honed my 2 straights a year or so ago. I’d like to again, hoped you were still at it. One was done coticule and the other Japanese stones, I think. I preferred the coticule. At the outset, it was probably less sharp but more comfortable to me. Both worked fantastically and with careful stropping have been beautiful tools since. We did the work without tape. I acquired another razor, supposedly shave ready. I tried it and it’s not up to your standards. I’d like to send that one too. I don’t know what you’re charging now, so I need to know what to pay you and get your address. Also, I bought sleeves you recommended that keeps my Shaver’s from rust. Impregnated with silicone, I think. Mine need to be recharged and I hope you can tell me what ‘oil’ I need and where to get it. Respectfully Greg Vandenberghe, 11497 S. Kestrel Rise rd, South Jordan, Utah 84009 gvdb52@gmail.com
Bleeding is primal!
Nice work, Dr. Matt!
+Yehoshua Jason D. Stone Thank you Luntzman!
Hey, RUclips nation: Listen to your Doctor!
Received my ILR stone last night and was so anxious to give it a try that I began sharpening a razor without lapping the stone first (didn't have anything for the job). The razor got sticky, but when I tested the edge on some cherry tomatoes, only the heel and toe would cut. "Weird," thinks I. Mild anxiety setting in; perhaps I won't be able to do this after all.
Picked up a granite tile and some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper this afternoon and set out to lap the ILR. Drew a grid pattern on the face of the stone and started lapping. Guess what? There was a nice long, oval pattern down the center of the stone that was not contacting the sandpaper! Exactly what you need if you only want to sharpen the heel and toe of your razor. Flattened the stone and re-honed the razor. Now it's sharp along entire length of the edge.
Moral of the story: Listen to your Doctor!
Thanks Dr. Matt.
WalksSlow You're welcome Mate. Glad it worked out!😃
Very well done Matt! Excellent instructions for beginners. Simple, logical, effective and inexpensive. I even gleaned a pointer of this myself. Pleasure to watch.
Thanks Greg. That's very kind of you. There's stuff here for beginners to advanced guys like yourself.
Nice and informative vid! Thank you! Thumbs UP!
Опасная бритва - Straight razor - Thanks Mate! Much appreciated. 😁
Great Job! Learned a lot.
Hi dr.Matt!
I’ve been watching your videos for a few weeks now and find them really informative!
Anyway, I got my first straight razor for Christmas and after just watching your “sharpening your first new razor” video and then this one I’m just curious as to why you put the electrical tape on it to start with and then don’t bother putting it on with other razors?
Again, thanks a lot for all your head these past few weeks
I suggest using it if it’s your first razor or a beginner at sharpening. It makes it easier to form an edge.
Love the .45 shirt
Joey Rivera Thanks Joey. Someone actually gave me shit about it.
I am lucky that even though I live in CA, My town seem to have many still supportive of the Second Amendment. I wear a seven point six two shirt around town and get complements all the time, I even have no problem wearing it where I work.
27:47 Wow! Very nice. 👌
Best video I could find !!!
Thanks Val. I agree!
I thought the spine of the razor determines the grinding angle. I never knew of the tape aspect.
Hey Doc, I'm amazed at the wealth of information you continue to share and appreciate it. I've looked around for the fire hose strop and see many many options. I'm sure you have answered this question on one of your other videos but I don't see it in this thread... Where do I obtain one that meets your standards?
Thanks sir. This is where I get fire hose strops. They are game changers!,
www.etsy.com/listing/277453824/100-flax-linen-straight-razor-strop-type
Fun video. Thanks for making it.
Hi Dr. Matt! Could you offer some updated advice about which stones are the best for their price?
The ILRs are 3x the price they used to be and I'm seeking a good yet cheap stone to start with. I can't always borrow my dad's. I just ordered my first razors and I'm excited to get to use them soon.
Many Thanks & Happy Holidays!
Sorry Ninqi as I'm just seeing this. The stone has only gone up $10. You probably saw the premium grade. I still just use this one: imperialaroccia.com/6standard.htm
Hi. Will buy an ILR next week. It comes with a slurry stone apparently but would you recommend the stone you are using instead?
Nice video Matt. If someone needs to set the bevel, how many grits is the starting point? 1000 grit? After that, we need 4000k and 12000 K? Thanks
Dr. Matt, very helpful vid. Thanks for putting it together! I notice that the ILR website offers a "Premium" grade for this stone. I wonder if this accounts for some of the variability in opinion about how well they hone? Do you know whether the stone sent to you for testing was standard or "premium"?
Yeah, I specifically requested the standard grade. I've tried the premium and honestly, couldn't tell the difference. I get a kick out of some people. They want to buy the bigger stone and/or the Premium grade. Seems it's hard for some to accept that a $35-$40 stone works well. It does!