Can't get my straight shave-ready

Hello.

I made a somewhat rash purchase because I couldn't be bothered to look at reviews or anything - I can be very impatient (which isn't a good thing when it comes to straight-razors, I'm sure). But I have the one I have now which can see seen here http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . It didn't come shave ready, which is to be expected. When I realised how much a whetstone cost, I was a little upset lol so I asked a friend a good one I could get cheaply. He told me the one which he uses and to save hassle I just copied - if it works for him, it'll do for now I thought. I ordered this: apex honing stone for knives and razors - buy honing stones online UK

After looking at several YouTube videos and reading some stuff on here, it seems as though the specs/numbers aren't ideal. I have no idea what any of this 8000 grit stuff really means though. I've watched some videos of people honing and think I'm doing it right but it's having absolutely no effect. It's getting very frustrating now. I realise you can't see me doing it, but could anyone please shed some light?

Cheers.

First I would suggest that the razor is poor quality and may be no good for shaving. Second the finest side of the hone you have os only about half as fine as what is needed. You won't get there with what you have and due to the razor probably never will. In the library is a list of razors to avoid and one of good quality razors. For a cheap starter blade check out the classified. Should get it cheap and shave ready. Good luck. Ed

Thanks.
As I feared then. Is there no way to salvage a poor one? This stuff cost so much money!

I don't know about the razor, but lapping film can be a good substitute for honing on a budget. There is lots of info on film in here

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Originally Posted by pseudonym

Thanks.
As I feared then. Is there no way to salvage a poor one? This stuff cost so much money!

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If your razor is anything like a Gold Dollar razor then it would take an expert in honing to make it shave able. The steel may well be poor enough that if it took an edge it may not hold it for long. So it may be possible but not likely with beginner's skill set, I am afraid. It might be best to chalk it up to a lesson in impatience at least for now. Keep the razor for when your skills improve enough and you are looking for a challenge in honing.

Do yourself a big favour and start off by at least reading this http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi..._razor_shaving to get a good feel for what is needed.

Bob

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Originally Posted by eddy79

First I would suggest that the razor is poor quality and may be no good for shaving. Second the finest side of the hone you have os only about half as fine as what is needed. You won't get there with what you have and due to the razor probably never will. In the library is a list of razors to avoid and one of good quality razors. For a cheap starter blade check out the classified. Should get it cheap and shave ready. Good luck. Ed

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I think that he COULD get there with what he has...it just might take him 10x as long as it should.
+1 on looking at the classifieds here for a razor for not too bad of a price.

I actually feel that you need a 1000 or 800 to set the edge on a virgin blade like you have, and for the first 6 months I was able to produce a shave ready razor with a 1000/4000 stone and a good strop.
Keep trying with the razor you have, worse case scenario is you learn to hone which can be used on your next razor if this one is truly a flop.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...lynn-glen.html

I'm sorry but that looks like a worthless razor. And the stone is completely unsuitable.

Read a bit more on this site. It will help you make an informed decision.

Michael

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Originally Posted by Chevhead

I think that he COULD get there with what he has...it just might take him 10x as long as it should.
+1 on looking at the classifieds here for a razor for not too bad of a price.

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I say this as he only has a 4.5k grit stone. I wouldnt shave off that. 8k no prob but not that. Ed

Don't feel alone here. I did the same thing in the beginning because I can be cheap. I have great shaves now and ummmmm less money.

I'm guessing you live in the uk, you might want to try the invisible edge for products and services they do a great job and there would be less postal hassles.

enjoy,
jim

Many thanks all round. I knew it wasn't something to be rash with but then this is what I'm like. I thought I'd mentioned I was from England - must've forgot. Wrote it in my intro only, it seems. How did you realise? Timing of my posts?

Any suggestions for what to do with a useless razor and stone (which is blackened by electrical tape)?

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Originally Posted by pseudonym

Any suggestions for what to do with a useless razor and stone (which is blackened by electrical tape)?

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Keep practicing. The hone may be alright for lower grit work or use it on your knives or in the shed. Lapping it should remove the electrical tape. Ed

I read the one review of that razor. It was something like "the only trouble is I can't get the razor sharp enough, but it's ok though".
I don't think the stone is useless, but it probably isn't all that you will need. Have you lapped the hone yet? You will need to do that before use really.
Don't lose hope, much like 10pups I used to try and save a bit of cash on things, and ended up spending more by the end.
It sounds like you know what you did wrong, which was to not do your research. Again don't worry, you.are definately not.the only person in that boat.
You do now have a low grit hone(s), and a strop. The razor maybe a wash out, but it's not the end of the world. Have a look at the classifieds there may be something affordable there that is shave ready.
All the best
Ed
Oh, it might be worth putting your location onto your profile, then it will show up and then if someone is.local to you who could help you they will know.

they make ok letter openers or when completely dulled ("breadknifed"= use the side of a hone and work the blade at a 90 degree angle) they can be used to practice while awaiting proper kit.

the amazon.co.uk is what gave me your location, times do not matter some folks nearly live on the forum.

there needs to be a support group for SRP widows!

enjoy,
jim