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.

@drmatt357

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Dr. Matt; bringing science, visuals, education and pocketbook concerns into our world with a smile.

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

Hah! Thanks George.

your coming back with force Dr Matt. watching now!

This is great Matt. Easy to understand for beginners like me. Thanks for making it.

@gregbaldwin2772

5 жыл бұрын

Yes

Finally a way to refresh the edge without messy pastes! Thank you 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.

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

BRAVO! Keep posting your enjoyable videos Doc!

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.

Very nice! I think I just found my finishing stone. Thanks a lot! Great video.

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.

First video out of dozens I've watched that actually helps instead of making me more confused. Thank you sir. *Subscribed.

@drmatt357

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate and glad you could benefit from the content! 😁

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).

@drmatt357

2 жыл бұрын

Right on!

Thanks Doc. Loved your technique on the ILR. Pulled mine out, tried it and holy cow...WONDERFUL!!! Thanks soooo much.

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chuck. I'd really like to hear from anyone else who has tried this technique and how were your results?

Great video instruction. Thanks for the slides at the end, really drives home your point.

I been using a DE razor and sharpen my own knives for the last five years. I watch a lot of KZread 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!

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.

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.

@trollmcclure1884

4 жыл бұрын

what steel? Is the stone wearing off fast with tool steel or high carbon blades?

Thank you... This is a great tutorial for edge maintenance.

Love your .45 T-Shirt!

Great video Matt :) Just ordered myself a ILR

You sir, you have conquered the art of honing an edge toe-heel so sharp it shaves. Well done!

@drmatt357

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate!

After using the Imperia La Roccia the shaving was nice and smooth despite the dry shave. Thanks for the information and techniques!

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!

@xvidmax

7 жыл бұрын

Grant Lockwood, I can't get ahold of the stone. Lucky you!

thanks so much for your feedback it is greatly appreciated.

Deffinately a fantastic video! I also enjoyed the way you shared your truth about the ILR.

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

Devan Jackson - The truth will set you free!😏

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!

@winstonalpha1286

4 жыл бұрын

How are you liking your stone ?

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!

@melvinpartridge688

6 жыл бұрын

Nate Fair m

Really great video, thanks! You answered my question comparing 12k Naniwa vs ILR.

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.

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tal. Appreciate that.😃

This is the best ILR video ever!

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

H. Al. - It certainly is Al! Thanks for tuning in. 😉

Awesome video.. ILR was my first finisher and still have a very special place between my stones..

@winstonalpha1286

4 жыл бұрын

You still like your ILR stone ?

@arncj18

3 жыл бұрын

what would you recommend for one stone from edge to finish other than coticule?

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. 🙏👍👌

@drmatt357

3 жыл бұрын

Have her give me a call. I'll straighten that situation out!

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

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

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.

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

@cdenton651

2 ай бұрын

Keith is a narcissist

Great video Dr Matt! I enjoyed watching this

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter. Appreciate you watching.

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.

@klevee6076

3 жыл бұрын

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

Thanks! just found this after many years. subbed :) have a great day

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.

Thanks for the video. Very helpful and informative.

Just did my first touch up on the ILR using what I learned in this video to great results.

@drmatt357

4 жыл бұрын

Andy Dixon - Well done Mate! Feels good... doesn’t it!😏

Excellent instructional video. Thank you so much!👍👍

Nice video ! Insightful and informative 👏

Awesome honing techniques. This is a great help!

great video. keep em coming. love the microscope shots.

Thank you for posting this video. Awesome!

The system you demonstrate here works perfect.

Nice work, Dr. Matt!

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

+Yehoshua Jason D. Stone Thank you Luntzman!

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.

@drmatt357

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Darryl! It's making a strong comeback and will be around for a while. :-)

Very good instruction. Thank you!

Great video! I love my ILR.

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!

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!

Thanks for the video. Love that shirt. My EDC is a Springfield Range Officer Elite Champion 1911 in .45ACP.

@drmatt357

4 жыл бұрын

HAWKEYE OFTHEEYE - The only way to roll! Thanks for stopping by. 😁👍🏻

@drewzin14

4 ай бұрын

I Love my Smith and Wesson performance center 1911 here. .45 cause shooting twice is just silly! how great is that statement!!!

Great Job! Learned a lot.

Man I’ve done the exact process and it has created a phenomenal edge upon my razor! The cutting edge is amazing

@drmatt357

3 ай бұрын

Awesome!! Great to hear.

Fantastic shirt! Couldn't agree more. Great video also, thanks for all of the great info!

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

Toeknee Doovila - Thank you Sir and I appreciate you tuning in. 😏

thanks dr it help me understand better.

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....

works brilliantly thank you

got the ILR! works great!. wish you made more educational videos!

@winstonalpha1286

4 жыл бұрын

You still impressed with your ILR stone ?

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

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.

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!

@drmatt357

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear Chris. I’m glad you could put the content to use and way to go sticking it to The Man!😉

Great video!

Nice and informative vid! Thank you! Thumbs UP!

@drmatt357

6 жыл бұрын

Опасная бритва - Straight razor - Thanks Mate! Much appreciated. 😁

Dr. Matt, you rock!! :) awesome video

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate!

@gvdb52

6 жыл бұрын

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

Fun video. Thanks for making it.

Thank you so much for this.

Best video I could find !!!

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Val. I agree!

I got that ILR hone the standard stone! Ultra fine! Thing is awesome! And their 3 inch wide strop the horween Latino leather

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?

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

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

Now I understand, thank you Dr Matt..

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

TASLIM TOHARY - You’re welcome Taslim and Thank you for the sub!

thnks a lot man, i recover my old straight razor.

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.

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

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

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.

love the shirt. Great vid

Very well done Matt! Excellent instructions for beginners. Simple, logical, effective and inexpensive. I even gleaned a pointer of this myself. Pleasure to watch.

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg. That's very kind of you. There's stuff here for beginners to advanced guys like yourself.

Hey brother! Keep up the good work!

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

Frank M - Thanks Frank!

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.

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.

Thanks great video. I've managed to recover 2 razors after watching

@drmatt357

6 жыл бұрын

Steve Dornan - Great job there Steve! See, it’s actually pretty simple. 😜

I really enjoy your videos. my question to you is do you want command taping or no taping. and please include your reasoning thank you

@drmatt357

8 жыл бұрын

I prefer not to use tape but I have done it. I think Murray Carter explains it best here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iXl3qsOneMaee9I.htmlm22s

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.

@drmatt357

3 жыл бұрын

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

@nateermine2849

3 жыл бұрын

There $180 bucks here in canada.

Bleeding is primal!

Just got my 8k! Excited to use it. About how often should I expect to do this routine with shaving 3x per week?

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

john karraker A lot of variables here John but 30-40 shaves I think is about average.

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"?

@drmatt357

7 жыл бұрын

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!

Matt love the videos I am getting in to straight razors and sharping it. Would like to know more about Maintaining the ILR stone. And if it is better to pap it till shining smooth

@drmatt357

2 жыл бұрын

No need to lap/burnish it shiny like a trans Ark. stone as it’s not nearly as hard and wouldn’t maintain that finish… not that it could get that shiny anyway. It would be overkill and really just a waste of time. Just make sure it’s lapped flat. I use my Atoma 400 plate but a piece of sandpaper of equivalent grit and a square of granite from Depot will work also.

@the82ndsky

2 жыл бұрын

@@drmatt357 thank you vary much! And thanks again for all the good videos

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....

@drmatt357

6 жыл бұрын

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!

Thanks for great info! My stones are coming in this week. I’m new to using a straight razor and found a nice intro Dovo for a descent price online. Quick questions, doesn’t the spine wear down and show abrasion when you sharpen the razor? Also suggestions on how sanitize the razor before using it? Thanks, Rob

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

CLOWNFISH69 - Yes Rob, the spine will wear and show “hone wear” doing it the way I show. Some people don’t like it so they put tape on the spine to keep it pretty. It’s an argument that will go on forever. You can get the container of barbercide, I use a spray called Cool Care. If it’s just the one razor you want to disinfect, I’d use Soft Scrub.

Hi Dr Matt, one of the best vids I have seen. Im new to straight shaving and had my razors professional honed. Will definitely order one of these. Any idea on the running water technique.on a japanese kamisori, as also added one to my collection. Also the jnat featured for $70, and idea where to pick one up. Keep up the excellent work.

@drmatt357

6 жыл бұрын

The running water technique will work on any razor. If you're going to hone the kami, there is a different technique with them. Like a 10:1 ratio of the sloped side to the straight side. Running water not recommended for JNATS. You can get the $70 stone on my Chef Knives To Go website here:www.chefknivestogo.com/drmastpr.html . They are out of stock now but put your email in the list and you will be notified as soon as they come in. Order one immediately as they will be gone by the end of the day. He gets batches in every 3 months or so.

@irish1759able

6 жыл бұрын

drmatt357 thanks for the rapid response, do u post to Ireland for the jnats.

@drmatt357

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, they do post to Ireland Aidan.

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

Thank you!!

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.

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!

@drmatt357

11 ай бұрын

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 am a little new and was wondering what your set up was the the .25 and the fili

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

@drmatt357

Жыл бұрын

I suggest using it if it’s your first razor or a beginner at sharpening. It makes it easier to form an edge.

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.

@peterwolf8149

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the veeery delayed follow up question, how does the use of sandpaper for flattening a stone mess it up?

Hi Dr. Matt! I love your videos and am learning a lot from your expertise. I notice you don't mention a leather strop in this video. What is your opinion on stropping on leather? Not necessary? Not as smooth or as sharp as the natural ILR stone? Thank you for making these.

@drmatt357

5 жыл бұрын

evo - Absolutely essential to strop your razor! When you get done sharpening on the stone and a must prior to every shave.

@evo9467

5 жыл бұрын

DrMatt357 Excellent. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I'm just getting into shaving with a straight razor. Your videos and advice are very helpful.

Great video! Just wondering does it affect the spine at all resting it on the stone while running it along the stone?

@drmatt357

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it does. It will put wear on the spine or “hone wear”. Some people don’t like it so they put tape on the spine to protect it.