Thread: Sharpen a straight razor

Originally Posted by neredsenvy

However I did find a local workshop that makes and sharpens the swords and blades and what not they said they had done a few before, they also sharpen regular knifes and swords like katana they told me that they have equipment for fine sharpening the price is 30 euros so I decided to go with them.

Since it can be done right away and no need to ship it off. I will take it to get sharpened and post the pictures and first shave result.

On the other hand they said that depending on the type of steel if it's soft steel then sharpening it will work once or twice so there is a chance that this will be joust eye candy in the long run.

You came here to get advice on Straight Razors, so far you haven't listened to what we are trying to tell you...

So I am going to be rude and direct now, BEFORE you destroy a good razor..

Hart is a solid brand, the steel is fine, even though you still haven't answered the question if it even is a Hart
It should have been shave ready from Hart, but we don't really know how it came into your hands you haven't said
The issues as Lynn just nicely pointed out are probably you, not the razor, at least that is what the odds say
The odds are also WAY against you finding a "Knife / Sword" sharpener that knows how to hone a Straight razor, that is exactly why the BladeForum guys told you to come here

But as I like to say, Your Face, Your Razor, Your Money, Your Choice...

"...I did find a local workshop that makes and sharpens the swords and blades and what not they said they had done a few before, they also sharpen regular knifes and swords like katana they told me that they have equipment for fine sharpening the price is 30 euros so I decided to go with them."

Nightmare outcome: 87%

I have honed everything from a cross cut saw to a real good pocket knife. the straight razor is a different animal. I had no luck at all until I watched and read and learned from the masters here at SRP. I know that fine blades can be ruined from an inexperienced person. if you have a good straight razor it would be in your best interest to send it to a pro razor hone master. I can now shave with one I have honed but as I found out recently from a visit to a friend and pro I'm till a long way from the pros. do yourself a favor and find a hone-master send your blade to that person and enjoy a shave. just my opium.

From the OP's original post.

"I ordered a new straight razor it arrived yesterday along with the brush. The item was as described handle is steel+wood handle and the razor/blade is steel as well. The blade is a straight blade not the curved one I washed the blade and tried shaving but this thing just isn't cutting I tried every possible angle and pressure but nothing. I tried against and with the grain nothing : / "

I doubt very much the razor is a Hart unless they have now started issuing razors with "steel+wood handle". I am getting the bad feeling it may be a RSO. If it is a RSO then it is likely a waste of time to even attempt to hone it or shave with it. Display piece may be for anyone who does not know straights.

A photo of the actual razor would be a very good starting point rather than a photo of a Hart that looks similar to what I have idea.

Bob

+1 Bob I have been wondering the same, (see post #3 and #5) but we just are not getting the answers

That being said, I don't know what a RSO is, but OP did say he paid his razor $499, which is, IMHO quite pricey for anything not high end

I have lakefront property of sale cheap in Arizona USA. Send me money for a deposit wink wink.
The truth is without images and answers to the basic questions asked of you.
You are in a boat with no paddles.
Do as the senior members here have told you first nicely, then bluntly.
You can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink.
Everyone on this site WANTS to help, follow their order of operation and you will be sucessful ... Dont and you will lose time, money and your mind.

I think you should check with the local person from your town - chances are they know how competent the honing at that local shop is. If he doesn't perhaps others on the Slovenian forum do.
It is best to get hands on help and in this hobby patience tends to be rewarded.

But ultimately it is your razor, your face, and your money so it is up to you how you want to go about it. Do keep us posted on the progress, though.

Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

I have lakefront property of sale cheap in Arizona USA. Send me money for a deposit wink wink.
The truth is without images and answers to the basic questions asked of you.
You are in a boat with no paddles.
Do as the senior members here have told you first nicely, then bluntly.
You can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink.
Everyone on this site WANTS to help, follow their order of operation and you will be sucessful ... Dont and you will lose time, money and your mind.

Hey! We have quite a few lakes here in Arizona...

Originally Posted by Aggelos

That being said, I don't know what a RSO is, but OP did say he paid his razor $499, which is, IMHO quite pricey for anything not high end

RSO = Razor Shaped Object
In other words: something that looks like a razor, but can't function as one due to some defect (i.e., bad metal or geometry, etc.).