Thread: Can't keep it sharp!

I have been using a straight for 8 months now and love it! But I have been having trouble keeping it straight. I am using a 5/8 Ralf Aust. The hones I have are a Norton4k/8k, a dragons tougue, and a llyn melynllyn. I also use pasted balsa, a pasted SRD strop, and a Tony Miller strop for finishing. My problem is that it will not stay sharp for more than a 2 months before needing honing and no more than a few shaves before needing the paste. In all fairness, my whiskers are quite coarse and I do not expect my razor to last as long. But it should last longer than it has been. Before every shave I strop between 40-80X's. It is usually sufficient. However, if it pulls any, then I go to the pasted strop. If I have to use the pasted strop 2-3X's in a row, then I go to the stones. I have honed it twice. Any suggestions would be appreiciated. Thank in advance!

I don't use pastes, so I cannot comment much about your routine, all I can ask is, "Do you have another quality straight razor to make shave comparisons with?"

maybe your stropping technique isn't quite perfected? That seems to be the biggest edge damager I can think of.

Yes. I have a Crown &Sword 1720 that is an excellent shaver, but I haven't used it enough to get it dull. Also, I have considered that it could be my stropping technique too. I have tried various amounts of pressure and have not found much difference in the blade. I am at a loss.

I will have to back away from giving advice to you on this one, as I am completely different in my honing style & maintenance of the edge. I can say that I only do 60 to 80 laps on a strop after completing my edge on my finisher; before each shave , there is only 20 laps on the strop.

Do you shave with it every day for the two months?

Check out the Stroptober thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...st-2012-a.html

There is a ton of great stropping info there.

In addition to pressure, how consistent are you with stretching your skin? I found I often let that aspect of the process slip from time to time, especially when I was starting out, and proper stretching can make a heck of a difference sometimes.

Where are you located? There may be someone local who can help you out.

I shave every 2 days usually. I stretch the skin and shave down, across, and then up. Also, I lather between each direction. I live close to Tupelo, Mississippi.

how is your beard prep? I think in general most people need to do a bit more prep than they do. it will really impact the longevity of an edge if you under prep. you may get comfortable enough shaves to suspect something else is at fault but perhaps try experimenting with improving the prep routine. you may find your edges retain their bite longer.

I never considered that. I usually shave after a shower. I use Proraso soap and hot water.