Things You'll Need:
- Straight razor hone
- Straight razor
-
Step 1
Place the straight razor hone on a flat, level surface, such as a countertop. The long edges should be horizontal, and the short edges should be vertical. Moisten the razor hone if directed by the manufacturer to do so; otherwise, leave the hone dry. Depending on the material the hone is made from, moistening it can damage the hone or render it ineffective.
-
Step 2
Grip the straight razor in your right hand with the blade facing inward. Place your index finger on top of the flat part of the shank. Place the ball of your thumb at the joint of the razor, and rest your second finger along the dull back edge of the razor. Wrap your remaining fingers around the handle.
-
Step 3
Lay the straight razor flat against the top right corner of the stone, with the blade pointing inward. Putting light pressure on the blade, push it diagonally across the hone to the bottom-left corner.
-
Step 4
Flip your hand over so that the opposite side of the blade is against the hone. Push the blade up to the top-left corner. Putting light pressure on the razor, push it diagonally across the hone to the lower-right corner. Cross the path of the first stroke in an "X" pattern.
-
Step 5
Flip your hand so the first edge of the razor is against the hone again. Push the razor up to the top-right corner, and push it diagonally across the stone. Repeat, flipping the razor before each stroke, until the razor is sharpened.
-
Step 6
Test the razor after each "X" is completed on the hone. Wet your left thumbnail and lightly draw the razor across it, being careful not to cut yourself. If the razor glides smoothly over the nail but digs slightly, the razor is perfectly sharpened. If the razor doesn't mark the nail, it's still too dull.
