Beginner in Edmonton looking for a mentor.

Hello Gentlemen,

I'm pretty new to this exciting way to shave. I've been interested for a few years now and after finding out that the flea market blades I picked up were garbage (Master USA 440 stainless - made in China- haha) I found a real razor over kijiji. The fellow that sold me the razor shaved with a straight himself and agreed to show me how to keep my blade refreshed. His method used a fancy oil diamond plate and crox on a felt paddle. While this was interesting insight I feel like there is much more to be learnt when it comes to honing.

I have acquired over a few months a 1000 grit stone, a norton 4000/8000, a 10000 grit stone, a lapping stone and a loupe.

I have watched plenty of lynn and gssxgun's videos and feel like I am getting close to setting a good bevel but calibration of the sharpness tests is difficult for me.

If there is anyone in the Edmonton area that could give me a hand with honing I'd really appreciate it! Of course I'd also bring the beer.

Cheers,

Chillbuds

Check this thread,

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...-together.html

There are several very experienced guys in there

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Check this thread,

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...-together.html

There are several very experienced guys in there

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Thanks! Forgive me for misspelling your name in the previous post.

I really appreciate what you do for the straight razor community. I've spent much time watching videos and reading posts you've submitted. It makes it much easier on the new guy having this wealth of knowledge at our disposal.

You are most welcome, and thank you for letting me know some of it helps out :)

Maybe we can talk more over a good Canadian Beer at the next Alberta Meet Up, I am really going to try and make it up there :D

That sounds most enjoyable! When the time comes if you can make it up here I'll be sure to bring the beer! :D

Hello, and welcome to SRP !! :chapeau

Welcome, indeed! You're in good hands.

Now, maybe we can probe your statement a little further:

Quote:

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calibration of the sharpness tests is difficult for me.

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Can you discuss and elaborate more to get us started?

regards,,

Okay,

So when I attempt to set a bevel I do circles on the 4000 grit side of my norton. When I check to see if it its ready to move to the 8000 grit side I do a thumb nail test. It feels like it digs into my nail almost all the way across the blade. I don't know if I am interpreting this test correctly though because after I take it through the rest of the progression (8000, 10000, crox, poly, leather) testing by cutting arm hair. I still have yet to get a shave without pulling and irritation.

After the thumb nail test are you going back to the 4k for a bit?
Also are you incorporating X strokes?

You should consider expanding the types of testing you do and observe the results, you need to find a test that works consistently for you at each stage.

Hair popping (arm) and how it does it, Thumb pad test, and visual are the three I use to verify the bevel.
I use the TNT if I have had to do major work but it will only tell me if I am getting close enough to bother starting the other tests.

Spend some time figuring out what the test is telling you.
I would also like to ask how much experience you have under your belt with the actual shaving with a straight and stropping,
as these are major contributing factors in shave results as you start your journey.

And definitely make the meet there will be no bigger boost you can get, not to mention the great people you will meet.

Regards
Pat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pfries

After the thumb nail test are you going back to the 4k for a bit?
Also are you incorporating X strokes?

You should consider expanding the types of testing you do and observe the results, you need to find a test that works consistently for you at each stage.

Hair popping (arm) and how it does it, Thumb pad test, and visual are the three I use to verify the bevel.
I use the TNT if I have had to do major work but it will only tell me if I am getting close enough to bother starting the other tests.

Spend some time figuring out what the test is telling you.
I would also like to ask how much experience you have under your belt with the actual shaving with a straight and stropping,
as these are major contributing factors in shave results as you start your journey.

And definitely make the meet there will be no bigger boost you can get, not to mention the great people you will meet.

Regards
Pat

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I only use the tnt to test at the 4k stage and I do go back a restore the edge I lost after the test. I also incorporate x strokes to make sure I account for any inconsistencies of the stone (which I am sure to flatten before each razor I put on it).

I have been mostly relying on cutting arm hair for my tests after I feel like the edge is too delicate for a tnt. If it easily pops hair at skin level I see it as ready for the 8k and if it pops hair above skin level I see it as ready for polishing. The thumb pad test and visual tests I try and use but I haven't found them very useful yet because of my lack of experience.

I have a shave ready edge I use as a benchmark for my shaves. I can shave with it well now. I have only had about 8 shaves now but I can keep the razor below 30 degrees and this last shave (with the pro honed edge) I had no cuts or irritation and the shave was very smooth. I have always been good with stropping and have no reason to think that my technique causes a folded edge.

Hopefully someone will be able to sit down with me some day I absolutely agree that it would be super helpful, especially in helping me with determining how sharp is sharp.

Thanks,
Alex

Alex,
It sounds like you are on the right path,
here is a search result using Alberta in the member section, we have some great members out there, try reaching out, it never hurts to ask

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=50

I will be traveling for a bit, but if you still haven't had any luck finding someone in a couple of weeks, I can probably try and help.

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Originally Posted by Thisisclog

I will be traveling for a bit, but if you still haven't had any luck finding someone in a couple of weeks, I can probably try and help.

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That would be great! Thanks! I have had a pretty busy weekend but I plan to spend some more time on the hones so I can be as prepared as I can be for when someone is available.

Great news! Spent some more time on the hones and after ensuring I had a bevel set focusing more on using the tpt I moved through the norton 4k/8k and finished on a chosera 10k and crox and I achieved a good shave! Minimal irritation after two passes. Thanks everyone for the advice. I have finally honed my first blade to functional satisfaction.