Thread: Help me not give this up. I can't hone.

So I've been straight razor shaving for about a year (but I only shave about once a week, and I haven't used my straight razor for several months, so I am still very much a beginner). I bought 2 razors off the classifieds here, both were shave ready.

The first razor that I started out on I could never get a good shave with, but I kept working with it for a few weeks. Each time I used it my skin was very irritated. I switched over to the second razor, and I started getting really close comfortable shaves. And each time I shaved I seemed to be getting better. Well, I was so satisfied with this razor and the straight razor experience that I went all in and bought hones (norton 220/1000, 4K/8K, 12K, and a flattening stones).

I've watched all the honing videos and read all the posts. I honed the first razor about 6 months ago, and at the time I had been using my second razor for a few months, so I figured I'd give it a good hone too! Well, now neither razor will shave. I have tried honing them about 4-5 times each. I've tried all the progressions. I tried a session where I did hundreds of strokes at each grit (took several hours). Both of my razors seem sharp enough, but they will not shave for crap. Each stroke brings tears to my eyes. I can't do a hanging hair test--it seems that even when I was shaving well with my sharp razor that I couldn't do this test successfully.

I was getting a great shave and having fun before I ruined my edge, and now I can't get it back. Straight razor shaving is not worth it if I can't maintain my edges. I am not excited to keep honing as I don't seem to be getting any better anyway. I have been shaving with my electric razor for several long months now. I swear I have watched every video on honing, but I just must be doing something wrong. I don't know anyone who could teach me and I don't know where to go from here except to give it up.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have thought about buying a new razor (maybe mine are hard to hone), or just honing more (but that doesn't seem to be working). Another huge problem is that I don't know what a shave-ready edge feels like, and I've tried all the tests.

Thanks for listening to my rant. I hope someone out there can save straight razor shaving for me.

You said you received both razors shave ready, and then later state you "don't know what a shave-ready edge feels like".
If you add your location on your profile, someone near you may be able to give hands on advice.

Send me a razor and I'll hone it for you. All you have to do is pay the postage. Pm me.

I'll also give you my number and we can talk honing.

Michael

Originally Posted by HarleyFXST

You said you received both razors shave ready, and then later state you "don't know what a shave-ready edge feels like".
If you add your location on your profile, someone near you may be able to give hands on advice.

Yes, I'm not sure the one was ever very sharp, and the one that was sharp and that I was shaving well with, I never took the time to do the sharp tests on it (HHT, fingernail, thumb pad).

Originally Posted by bphaedrus

Yes, I'm not sure the one was ever very sharp, and the one that was sharp and that I was shaving well with, I never took the time to do the sharp tests on it (HHT, fingernail, thumb pad).

You had a good shave with it. That's the most important test.

Michael.

I understand how you feel. I have tried numerous times to get my edge back to adequate but end up with tugging terrible shaves everytime. I have to switch over to my safety razor every time. No idea what I'm doing wrong either. Hopefully someone can give you some help on the subject.

How good a shave were you getting after 10 shaves? I know mine were pretty ordinary. And from the little I know honing is harder than shaving. Stick at it, take up Michael's offer and see how you go.

Let me put this out there - keep in mind I'm a novice too.
I have new and vintage razors. For my new razors and the vintage ones with no smile and that sit perfectly flat on the hone, I can get those shaving like butter, even after I take the edge off and set the bevel again.
However there are a few vintage ones I have that either don't sit perfectly flat in the hone or have smiles, etc. Some I can get shavable (not superb), others I can't get at all.
Maybe your two you got off the classifieds are a little finicky? I'm finding a razor doesn't have to have much variability to it to throw me off, at this stage of learning anyway. JME

Did you Lap Your Hones Before You Started To Use Them?

Ah, honing. My favorite (sic) part.
Do you have a loupe? If not, get one.
I have been frustrated by honing also. Just tonight as a matter of fact.
Circles, x strokes, heel first, pyramid, toe first, yada yada.
I think the most important thing is equal strokes on both sides.
Whether that is one at a time, or 50, the key is equal time.
Second key is pyramiding. Once you leave a grit, go back to it.
3rdly, relax, have a beer.