Razor Honing

Razor honing is a sharpening process in which a razor's bevel (insert reference to bevel definition here) is cut and polished to form a fine, shaving edge. When a razor is adequately honed, it should be able to provide a comfortable shave. Among the wetshaving and straight razor shaving online community, the process of honing often only refers to that kind of motion which can be described as passing a razor edge-leading across fine, abrasive media such as razor hones, plates, and films.

Honing is the final sharpening process that a razor will go through prior to being declared shave ready. Preliminary work may sometimes be required before honing can take place. Depending on the razor edge's condition, the razor may need to be reground, there may be damage such as chips or pitting that needs to be addressed, or perhaps the existing bevel is unusable and needs to be completely reset. A razor in such condition is usually said to need restoration work or more aggressive sharpening techniques before the actual honing can take place.

Razor hones

A hone is anything used to put a fine edge on a cutting tool.  In this article hones refer to whetstones.  For honing strops/abrasive films etc, see xxxx

Hone history

barber used coticules and eschers until synthetic barber hones came along.  etc

Hone manufacturers and miners

The major hone makers today are blah, blah, and blah.  There are still some mines in operation, blah and blah.  Vendors can be found here (main article vendors, or possibly vendor links)

Using razor hones

Prepping a hone for use

Flatten the hone. main article lapping.  Keep the hone surface clean.  Some hones require soaking.  Some hones should not be soaked.

Honing

Depending on a razor's condition, it may need its bevel set or reset (see main articles) before it can take a shaving edge.  Some hones are better suited for this work than others.  Some razors in poor condition may also need pre-bevel done such as regrinding, breadknifing, or other methods not usually considered to be honing although sometimes hones can be used for this kind of work.

Honing methods

main article progressive honing

main article pyramid honing

Application specific honing

main article Honing an ebay razor

main article One cot method

main article chip removal?

Storing hones (possibly separate article?)

don't let your norton get moldy