How to sharpen straight razor? How to hone straight razor?

[@GearScar]

My old barber once told me, if you want to save money on razors, stop buying the disposable junk, and get a straight razor. He said its a skill to learn, but once you have it, you'll love it and save tons of money. I just ordered one

[@TechRat09]

It should last a lifetime if you buy a quality one and take care of it. I'm sure it saves a lot because you don't have to buy cartridges and such

[@peetsnort]

I've just learnt that the translucent will slurry up with a diamond plate. No more oil needed.

[@00019g]

Plot twist he doesn’t even have a old barber he just wanted to say something that sounded good to talk him self into buying a straight razor

[@christopherlloyd9954]

Exactly right ​@@TechRat09

[@TechRat09]

@christopherlloyd9954 could even pass it down to your children, and even their children! If you take care of it proper and it's actually good steel- id probably clean it first tho!

[@BEARDED_VATO]

I remember old timers waaaaay back in a day in mexico, that would do this style of shaving. So cool, it doesn't get any more old-school and nostalgic than this 🤘🏼

[@danzbeard]

It’s therapeutic as well 👌🏼

[@dappershaves]

its the only way to shave, regards dapper shaves

[@UsenameTakenWasTaken]

Meanwhile, I just want something reliable while out in the woods. I just want something I can maintain along with my tools.

[@StaceysDogGrooming]

A friend once had this done somewhere and it was on a beach, he is a skinhead so they did his face and all his head... people where watching and laughing, when he finished my friend turn round and the shaver was blindfolded!!

[@PowerInOne22]

I've shaved off of an edge honed on an 8000k stone and it shaved, but finishing off with a 12k grit stone and some laps on cotton w/ chromium oxide paste makes a HUGE difference in the edge. Keep it simple though, it's amazing how complicated people make the honing process. It's not complicated, and this is a refreshing video to watch.

[@danzbeard]

thanks for the insight and feedback! 🙏

[@dappershaves]

nicely said, simplicity is the key, regards dapper shaves

[@nateermine2849]

I heard from a pro that you can hone your blade just using a 8000 grit and a 12000 grit my razor gets really sharp with just those 2 grits instead of buying a bunch of honing stones.

[@micko4463]

Your stropping removes any fine burring made during the honing, great video like that you showed the grit grades 👍

[@noahgilbert8630]

I can tell by the sound that you are honing correctly haha, thank you for the awesome video, I’m really excited to start this new small lifestyle change.

[@dappershaves]

Hi, I would love to hear about your journey, how is it going? regards dapper shaves

[@coachthomas9885]

Glad you’re feeling better brother! Thanks as always for the great content! You’re the man and welcome back!

[@danzbeard]

Heyo!!! Thanks brother!!! Happy New Year!!!

[@StaceysDogGrooming]

Nice video, you are super clear and articulate, I would say, 1) double sided blocks are not great, each side is different and this can cause them to bend a bit over time or temp.. 2) place your fingers across the blade when pressing down, (also 6lbs pressure seems a bit much i would of said 2) if you are holding the handle make sure you just use it as a guide, if you are pressing on the tip and the handle you could cause the blade to bow. 3) personally i dont like doing leading strokes on stones as you could dig in and gouge them but thats more a preference thing and honestly never seen it happen, but i like trailing strokes really. 4) Really dont wipe your fingers across the flat of the blade after sharpening, if you have caused a burr to raise up they can slice you open!! 5) when it comes to stropping some people like really light passes, some people say press really into it hard, personally i like to do it lightly, the apex can be really thing and pressing it into the strop could bend it over a bit.

[@danzbeard]

Thank you for this feedback and insight 🙏

[@noahgilbert8630]

I’m kinda scared to start shaving with a straight razor but I love blades so I gotta do it 👍✊

[@latestplague3762]

I always taped the spine to prevent wear when sharpening. All "I" have owned have the angle made into them, meaning laying the razor flat on the stone gives you the angle needed to sharpen. If there are any made different I've never owned them. If you wear the spine down it will change your angles, atleast that's always been my thought.

[@dappershaves]

interesting observation. never had spine issues honing without tape. regards dapper shaves

[@oggabryrente5159]

Putting tape on the spine of the blade will slowly but surely change the angle of the edge as the blade wears down.

[@JBREWER2002]

@@oggabryrente5159 I was worried about wearing down the spine also but you make a very valid point. I think I’ll follow this mindset from now on and not tape.

[@tonyabomia7217]

Sorry to hear that you've been sick. I knew something was up. Glad that you're feeling better. I've missed you.

[@danzbeard]

HEYA!!! Happy New Year!!! I missed you as well!!! Perhaps we'll do a LIVE soon to make up for lost time. Hope you're having a great start to the New Year!

[@tonyabomia7217]

@@danzbeard So far, so good. Yes, definitely need to do a live chat soon.

[@williamfahey6066]

I am sorry to hear you had been sick. The important and best thing is, is that you are now well. All the best to you Dan! Jeff

[@danzbeard]

I sincerely appreciate this, thank you very much, Jeff. I hope all is well on your end 🙏

[@stephenbamford4716]

Excellent presentation. Thanks for sharing. A suggestion. As I understand it, in woodworking and knife sharpening using water stones or other types of stones for sharpening plane blades, chisels, spokeshaves and others, it is necessary to be sure the stone is flattened. Woodworkers often use diamond plates to ensure flatness for the sharpening stone. The procedure is to start by wetting the stone with water or even glass cleaner or Hone-Rite or a similar product sprayed on or the stone to make a good slurry. Then rinse the stone with water. If this procedure is skipped, a divot, a kind of scoop will be introduced into softer stones. Then follow the same procedure shown in this video. The angle for the blade, if kept as the gentleman shows should make a perfectly sharp blade at the correct angle provided the manufacturer has the rounded non-cutting edge set for the cutting edge to be at the correct angle. This process might take some time to acquire the proper technique. But going slowly as shown in the video seems to work very well. Introducing a test by cutting something as seemingly insignificant as paper, might render the blade far less optimal for shaving. However, testing this out for oneself is reasonable. Another suggestion is to re-strop the blade on the strop as the gentleman perfectly demonstrates in the video. A light and gentle honing and stropping will keep the razors sharp end from becoming bent. Too much pressure will distort the razor's edge. Again, many thanks for sharing. I'll explore you channel for updates and your other presentations.

[@danzbeard]

This is very informative and interesting! Thanks for sharing 👏🏻

[@magnoliamike]

Before I got into straight razors I was using Shavettes and I’m glad I did because it gave me a lot of practice. Are you safety razors more often but are used to use one alternating with my safety razors. Like on a Monday I will use a vintage Gillette, and next time I see you I will bring out a straight razor. I hone my blades myself and really enjoy the process of stropping and maintaining my razors

[@aidenfuhrman8579]

Thanks that was very helpful I just got a straight razor and like you said it isn't sharp at all

[@robertmartin3090]

My dad finished barber school. Would cut my hair, I wish he was alive to show me how to do this. I do remember ( not laughing) him using the big barber razor strap to hit my thighs. A multi- purpose tool I guess. I wish I had that one. Somehow got kissed. A great video. I have purchased everything. I like how complete it was and I also collect and sharpen knives- learning a lot. Thx - a beautiful beard BTW.

[@danzbeard]

You are welcome, thank you for sharing your story. Happy to have helped in any way.

[@TheBladeX10]

Only if the blade is very destroyed i use the stones, which is very rare. Every knife/razor i'm sharpening is with a steel mostly. Pull through system, i start each side from 45° or 30° angle, i go lower until i reach about 15-17° angle on each side. Only after that i drag the knife over the leather strop, while placing it totally flat not raising it at all. Always away from the edge, very important. I do the straight motions, no x or cross action. This way i can guarantee that the blade will become scary sharp. It also makes sense to start from the higher angles to get the blade more durable and all the way to lower angles to make it the sharpest possible 😉. But that's only one of my techniques out of numerous ones haha. Nice video though 👍🏻.

[@J86_918]

I know I’m a year late to the discussion, but if you’re a true blade smith, you know it’s all subjective. A somewhat to each their own type of situation. I never hold mine flat while stropping but definitely want to keep it at a lesser degree to avoid reversing the entire prior process of honing. I’ve never seen anyone hold it flat, but if this works for you and is your preference, I surely won’t tell you it’s “wrong”. There’s an old saying “everyone loves the smell of their own farts.” ( which I truly truly hope is strictly figurative because… well 🤢) which for those who don’t understand, it means everyone has their own process and this holds true when it comes to sharpening as well. I don’t mean to come off as aggro or combative, but I will say your demeanor somewhat felt like you were telling him “he’s doing it wrong”. To which one could argue, most of the renowned smiths will tell you almost word for word what he just did. Again just a “personal preference is key” subject and i sincerely apologize if that wasn’t your intent. All the best🫡

[@richmerriman9220]

I bought one around 3 years ago, once you get used to it, its easy to do. The damn cartridges got too expensive and i wont go back.

[@danzbeard]

Yeah, the cartridges are ridiculously expensive

[@MoandSimbaforPeace]

What are some of your favorite blades? My pops got me two different one from art of shaving almost four years ago...use one at home and one for travel and only shaved w both since recieved and now first time home one is needing sharpening..i always thought they were a bit pricey cant remember exactly but somewhere just above$200 each one but now after 4 years first time needing sharpeing thinking well worth it but wonder what the $20 blades off amazon or others am unaware of would be like

[@danzbeard]

I'll have to make a video on that! Thanks for the inspo and for sharing how your pop got you into shaving 🙂

[@rockmassa4151]

Glad to hear your feeling better brother 👊

[@danzbeard]

HEYO!!! Thanks Rock!!! Happy New Year!

[@builtinfire]

Nice one! Thanks for sharing! Skaal!

[@danzbeard]

Thank you!!! Skål!!!

[@jimgormley7148]

Why am I watching a video about sharpening a straight razor from a dude with a beard?

[@Funkdoc22]

Agreed

[@ianbotts3702]

Using a compound on a strop or even multiple different compounds or diamond emulsion on different strops can keep you from needing the stone very often if ever. If it's a water type stone you need more water or to soak it in water and add water. Same for oil stone. There are also diamond and glass stones. Glass is probably the best. You can also use a flat strop just like the stone flat on a piece of glass or plexiglass with leather or cloth. The hanging strop is for more of a fluid motion where you're holding the angle a little bit more and almost dragging the edge but not quite back and forth one on each side. But the way you're doing it works fine too. You really do not need to apply very much pressure on the stone you just want to make sure you're applying it evenly with 3 fingers across the blade. Always make sure the spine is touching so if you got one of those pain and ones sorry but that's the way you sharpen a straight razor with the whole thing flat it's a hollow ground so the middle won't touch at least. You'll just get a line on top. When you're done put a little bit of alcohol on a paper towel and go backwards with it flat to clean anything that's left on it. If you have a painted blade alcohol will ruin that paint so maybe just use soapy water. Alcohol helps keep it sanitary to you want to make sure you're not growing bacteria on your blade. You can get barber side or the spray or alcohol whatever. Especially if you're using it on somebody else and not just yourself.

[@magnoliamike]

Think you covered the basics. You’ll be surprise the video that I see out there haha! 💈😁

[@danzbeard]

Yeah, this is definitely just an intro

[@Maddogg-hg5me]

Thanks for the vid. I just bought a straight razor over the weekend and decided to try to achieve the manliest shave possible. 😂 I tried using the whetstone and strop I ordered to sharpen it but didn't seem to be getting anywhere. I didn't think to soak the whetstone but now it makes sense why the strop has the canvas side as well as the leather side. I will try it again after fininshing the whetstone soak and see if I get better results the second time around.

[@TheRussianRob]

And how are the results looking sir?

[@bookofwater]

Can I use a regular leather belt?

[@MrMZaccone]

So the video starts and I think ... "Yeah, that guy knows about shaving."

[@HayalFun]

Hello Dan! I want to ask a question. I have curly hair similar with Henry Cavill, i want to do undercut. Which number for tops and sides-back will look better? I dont want it to be messy! Thanks a lot

[@nicklandak6882]

Got everything but the wet Stone.Where do I get a three thousand 2 8 thousand brick

[@mbks77]

Is that blade Damascus, or is it just an aesthetic finish?

[@danzbeard]

Just an aesthetic finish

[@connorfrancis7056]

Aside from the one in the video any recommendations on a similar razor? Tired of these disposable razors and looking to switch thanks!

[@boogeyman7777]

That's a glorious beard man...

[@danzbeard]

thank you!

[@jesse1257]

For a beginner (never used a straight razor) how should I go about getting one.& practice I guess so I don't cut my throat?

[@danzbeard]

Practice on the top of your arm

[@trunkerdixon]

Either use a blunt straight razor or a shavette with no blade in it to practise your strokes without injury. You will cut yourself, so buy alum and a styptic pencil as you learn. T

[@josephcook6442]

Am i the only one here finding it ironic coming from a man with a literal bush on his face

[@killyourtelevisedmedia44107]

He's gotta keep it nice and clean. I imagine it would be a hella lot more scruffy

[@nickfanzo]

Straight shaving is where it’s at.

[@JeffLieurance]

Well presented. Thanks

[@danzbeard]

Thank you 🙏

[@050156jg]

Man, your beard is better and better the longer it’s growing. Peace

[@danzbeard]

thank you!!! Cheers brother!

[@nimarkb2767]

Very helpful video but I have a question. I’ve seen people putting on some kind of wax before sharpening. Is that a must?

[@rumatadestora]

I just ordered a straight razor, but I don't have a whetstone or strop, so I'd probably have to go to a local barber shop to get it sharpened

[@danzbeard]

That would be a safe bet

[@Xxxxxrrr6464]

Thanks

[@riverrazors7915]

Hello your Stone is a Chinese low grit , it is advertised as 3000/8000 but it is actually around 400/1000 grit

[@AndySuk99]

Very helpful thank you

[@Carlos-hh9km]

Hello brother one question you wash your beard with soap and conditioner every day??

[@danzbeard]

As of late, I haven’t. I’ve been washing and conditioning every other day. Cheers

[@Carlos-hh9km]

@@danzbeard thanks bro :)

[@codyholland5138]

You shouldn't have the stabilizer on the stone while sharpening and honing. Stabilizers are different, but most will mess with your angle if you have it on the stone. Also I would get a better quality finishing stone, I doubt that stone is actually 8k JIS. That appears to be a Chinese Amazon/AliExpress stone and their grit rating is considerably coarser than Japanese. You won't get a fine enough edge. I'd use a compounded strop before the bare strop too.itll make the edge smoother.

[@danzbeard]

I genuinely appreciate this feedback. Thank you

[@codyholland5138]

@@danzbeard after reading my comment again, it sounded kinda like I was ridiculing you or critiquing. I really am only trying to help. I'm no professional or even close, but I've got most aspects of razor sharpening down. I get pretty good edges on my razors, but I'm sure they could be better. I use a 10k Super Stone, then Stropbros green compound before going to bare leather.

[@javacup4178]

Broooo your giving me beard envy!

[@nickstuart2098]

Very helpful! Quick question, what angle should the razor be held at when honing?

[@mellilore]

When the shoulder of the razor touches the stone, that's the right angle. Same when stropping on leather. Please note that when honing on stone the blade "goes first", when stropping on leather the shoulder goes first.

[@vishensivparsad]

@@mellilore to add on that, is there a way to protect the spine of my razor during sharpening so no metal is removed from it?

[@mellilore]

@@vishensivparsad tape on the shoulder

[@joepangit6938]

@@vishensivparsad If you don't remove metal from the blade and the spine, the blade angle will slowly change over time. You rest against the shoulder and blade when removing metal, if only one of them loses metal, the angle the blade is sharpened at will end up becoming greater.

[@vishensivparsad]

@@joepangit6938 I see thanks for the new information. I have to grind in a bevel though because my razor came completely blunt, so I'll have to protect the spine until the bevel is nearly set then I'll remove the tape from the spine

[@Botzz28]

Where can you get a quality strop from ?

[@fredericsupercycle4136]

a BIG TX for the video my friend!!!! :D

[@danzbeard]

My absolute pleasure!!

[@saltyfry8688]

very clear and helpful thank you!

[@danzbeard]

Glad you found it helpful! 🙌🙏

[@Kevin-de3qc]

I don’t have either of these tools any suggestion what I can use to sharpen?

[@trunkerdixon]

Pay someone else to sharpen it for you, but you have to have a strop if you use a straight razor and that can be an old pair of jeans or my preference which is a piece of balsa wood with diamond paste on it. T

[@soumalya320]

Happy to see you are back... love from India ♥️♥️

[@danzbeard]

Thank you my friend 🙏 Happy New Year!

[@journeyfortwo5211]

I've heard you shouldn't test razor sharpness with the paper test as it damages the edge too quickly

[@danzbeard]

I can see that being a valid case, thank you

[@lgwappo]

How many shaves between sharpening?

[@akihiro8023]

Nice video man! Youre underrated asf

[@malcommacuarro]

How often should straight razors be sharpen?

[@danzbeard]

It depends on how often it's used

[@lowwprofile]

Thank you for the video. It was informative.

[@dappershaves]

wonderful yet brief overview, would love to hear more details. regards dapper shaves

[@allonbackuth5832]

Can someone tell me how to shave my head with a cutthroat. Subscribed to your channel. So much help. Learning with a zeva. So beautiful

[@ericknighton2533]

Go to a barbershop. Lol

[@Call_me_scum]

It's really the same process of shaving your face. I do it all the time. Warm hot towel Shaving cream Shave with COLD water Not too much pressure or you'll scalp yourself. Just gotta start doing it, or you'll never get it.

[@trunkerdixon]

Treat the blade like a comb and be careful around your ears, as they bleed for ages. T

[@BEARDED_VATO]

Get better soon ese👊🏼

[@danzbeard]

Thank you! 🙏 Happy New Year!

[@Momo_Kawashima]

So, how many passes for each grind? I got a straight razor that needs a sharpening, I'm tired of spending money on razot blades, but I'm afraid of ruining it

[@danzbeard]

I'm not sure if it's technically correct but I do 6-8 passes

[@Momo_Kawashima]

@@danzbeard thanks

[@Khabib9-z8w]

Are christian bale with beard

[@kale936]

Looks like we bought all the same stuff except I went with a Dovo razor lol

[@nimovadnok]

man.. your beard is just.. wow

[@danzbeard]

thank you!

[@ChadVanHook]

Great video! Glad you're feeling better!

[@danzbeard]

HEYO!!! Thank you on both counts! Happy New Year!

[@carlcarlson180]

I found 8000 grit was to corse

[@magnoliamike]

To be honest they’re wet stone looks mighty cheap looks like it’s only meant for knives. If I were you I would get the naniwa SUPERSTONES or something like a Norton ir Shepton glass. But I can understand why somebody doesn’t want to get a wide variety of grits because once you set the bevel all you have to do is just touch it up and a lot of people just keep one finishing stone like a 12 K And use The green chromium oxide on the cotton part of the strop in between honings

[@lastkissba]

Where do you use this razor?

[@danzbeard]

Cheek lines and neck line

[@Akhil-Arora]

2021 hair transformation?? 👀

[@danzbeard]

We’ll see 😁😁😁

[@blues03]

Bro's got that Christian Bale slick back. My man hasn't been out of the Bat Cave in months. Excellent tutorial. I'm thinking about upping my game from DE Safety Razor for a Straight one (for the beard lineup and to help avoid skin irritation) and I'm looking up blade aftercare videos. Thanks a bunch.

[@nezircaglar2381]

vlad tepes?

[@danzbeard]

😁

[@justaguydoingguythings2762]

I've tried everything to get my straight razor sharp enough to shave. And it never works. And ive sharpened a ton of knives

[@dvldgz6306]

Just letting people know, a better way to test the edge is to steal a strand of hair off your wife's hair brush. The weight of the hair should be enough for the hair to split in half if you drape it over a true razor edge

[@dappershaves]

🤣🤣 I dont shave my wife, so use I use my own hair. regards dapper shaves

[@peetsnort]

Whittle is the best test. I managed 4 curly hair shaved before the strand cut through. And that was with my chef's knife

[@dvldgz6306]

@@peetsnort I do this as well. But there is a little skill involved getting the angle right

[@peetsnort]

@@dvldgz6306 yes. And different hair behaves different

[@stoner4]

I could never see an edge going into the blade, never made sense, I move my blade away from the stone just like you do on a grinding wheel, you sharpen the blade moving it so you cause a edge coming on the blade, that's how I see it.

[@francesjdarwin]

Can you the suede side of an old belt as a strop?

[@Child_Support_EK]

Im telling my kids that this is Luke Harper

[@danzbeard]

🙏

[@moccalatte1154]

Now my razor is sharp as katana

[@geecee12]

If you can't afford a strop, you can just use you leg with then without pants.

[@aaronmcadams9841]

I can offer a decent ammount of insight regarding the stones and sharpening a razor

[@danzbeard]

yes please

[@calvin123456777]

Thought you was Brodie lee

[@Segundo_Grande]

All was good.... and then you just had to mention TikTok, lol :D

[@ronbird121]

i sharp my blade like hel, its cuts like a beast but as soon as i touch my face it only ripps a few hairs... i think i stand at a wall. i dont know the quality, i only know its 70 years old. i should get a new stone.

[@danzbeard]

hmmm that's very interesting... let me know what you do, and if it helps. cheers

[@magnoliamike]

A lot of people don’t even shave off a 8000

[@stephenmiller5572]

Should we hit the gym before we learn to strop the razor? Lol

[@danzbeard]

Hitting the gym is a must 😉

[@kaz0271]

Hmm...

[@pablo64073]

How many passes for honing?

[@danzbeard]

depends on the condition of the blade

[@dappershaves]

there is no magic number, so edge condition will determine the effort required, regards dapper shaves

[@dberis]

What exactly do you need a straight razor for?!

[@danzbeard]

cheeklines

[@yeshuaislord7773]

Sounds like he dubbed the strop

[@vinblack85]

Tiktok dance moves! Let's see it

[@danzbeard]

Hahahah. It quite on that level yet hahaha

[@nateermine2849]

Put tape on the back of your razor you will wear it out on the back sides of the blade.

[@Kevn112010]

You look like former wwe wrestler Luke harper

[@danzbeard]

😞🙏

[@dappershaves]

😂😂😂 regards dapper shaves

[@nick-03]

why don't you tape the spine

[@christopherbound2154]

If the bevel angle is fine, no need.

[@dappershaves]

taping the spine increases the bevel angle, thereby decreasing the sharpness ability, regards dapper shaves

[@juanjosefreijedo774]

This is the oposite of those leg shaving adds where girls are alredy shaved. This man didnt even touched his beard. Just joking

[@ravenfields8968]

Only way a man can remove unwanted hairs viking style

[@aaronmcadams9841]

From personal experience spending money on the WRONG things to maintain my blades

[@user-lq8fr5ns9m]

Buzzcut in 2021?

[@danzbeard]

That’s yet to be determined 🤔

[@DHehsgssisi77]

My man looks like Luke Harper. RIP

[@danzbeard]

RIP 🙏

[@elfiemontague3936]

I buy one of those stone from china not work at all

[@teehotice5097]

Take your cheap set of old set of knifes.. And make them Razor sharp!!

[@KenJones-n9m]

he never shaves he don't know if it even works

[@grahams8758]

Better watch the video again and listen this time.

[@mvx627]

Mick Foley 144p 😜

[@philwilliams8328]

Damn, from what little you have to shave you wouldn't have any need to hone/sharpen the blade about once every 2 years, and to be bluntly honest the beard looks disgusting!

[@VanDarkholm]

what the razor called that you are using? I want the same exact one. Love the Damascus folded steel look.

[@danzbeard]

HEYO!!! It's a straight razor that I got from The Beard Struggle, but they no longer carry it.

[@jannpatrick6392]

@@danzbeard you can still order it as part of the shave kit