Just wanted to start off by saying hi,
I'm a member of SRP, and asked a question there yesterday regarding BBWs and hone-sizes.
I figured here i'd ask here as well, seeing as this site's focus is on belgian hones.
anyway, I am considering a new hone, now that I am somewhat proficient at putting a shaving edge on my razors. I currently have dmt hones (C-EEF) and a spyderco UF, which i am able to get HHT 2-3 (4 occasionally) with. i get somewhat comfortable shaves, but i can't help but feel like it could be much more comfortable.
I recently opened up a little bit of spending money, and found a BBW on another razor store that is 150mm x 50mm for $40 (usd). I figured, it is cheap enough to experiment with, however my research and the thread i started concludes that you must be lucky when buying a BBW, to get one that will leave a shave-ready edge once finished. Yet i keep reading some posts, even here, that mention good results with BBWs. i don't mind slower cutting speeds-- i wouldn't know any better, but i don't want to end up with a useless chunk of rock.
If you all concur that a BBW is not a good hone to buy for use on it's own, then my second question applies: how small a coticule is still useful for razors? being restricted by budget, the only coticule i'd be able to afford would be either a tiny strip, or a bout. using small stones might be a challenge, seeing as im' used to 8x3 hones.
Frankly, i'm at the point where i've over-read the subject and am quite overwhelmed.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate all input.
I'm a member of SRP, and asked a question there yesterday regarding BBWs and hone-sizes.
I figured here i'd ask here as well, seeing as this site's focus is on belgian hones.
anyway, I am considering a new hone, now that I am somewhat proficient at putting a shaving edge on my razors. I currently have dmt hones (C-EEF) and a spyderco UF, which i am able to get HHT 2-3 (4 occasionally) with. i get somewhat comfortable shaves, but i can't help but feel like it could be much more comfortable.
I recently opened up a little bit of spending money, and found a BBW on another razor store that is 150mm x 50mm for $40 (usd). I figured, it is cheap enough to experiment with, however my research and the thread i started concludes that you must be lucky when buying a BBW, to get one that will leave a shave-ready edge once finished. Yet i keep reading some posts, even here, that mention good results with BBWs. i don't mind slower cutting speeds-- i wouldn't know any better, but i don't want to end up with a useless chunk of rock.
If you all concur that a BBW is not a good hone to buy for use on it's own, then my second question applies: how small a coticule is still useful for razors? being restricted by budget, the only coticule i'd be able to afford would be either a tiny strip, or a bout. using small stones might be a challenge, seeing as im' used to 8x3 hones.
Frankly, i'm at the point where i've over-read the subject and am quite overwhelmed.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate all input.