Quote Originally Posted by challigan23 View Post
Hello! My name is Casey, and I consider myself a beginner, still, though I've been wet-shaving for about two years now. I started off with a Adoration Axe, got a DOVO 5/8 in imitation tortoise, then a Ralph Aust 6/8, and I'm about to buy my next razor here shortly I'm in a bind at the moment because I have a broken wedge on my only razor I can shave with right now, the Ralph Aust, and I'm itching to take it apart. Luckily, I was wanting a new razor anyway, so I'll take the RA apart when I get my new one. The problem is, and the reason I can't shave with the vintage Axe or the Dovo, is because I started a restoration on the Axe and its in pieces, and I tried fixing chips in the DOVO and its ground down to about 4/8 or less with a terrible edge. I put it down a long time ago when I screwed up the edge, and now I need some guidance getting it shave ready again. I really don't know if I can get it back to a daily shave, but I think I can. I'll try to post some pics, but I wanted to introduce myself and my situation first. I've waited a long time to post since I joined because I've been trying to figure it out on my own and do my research. Another problem is I've tried sanding/buffing/polishing my daily shave, the RA, to get the small scratches out of it, and I cannot seem to get it back to the mirror finish. I just need help all around at this point. I have the Norton 4k/8k and 220/1k for honing and need a finishing hone, I know. But for my touch ups along the way and attempts at rehoning the DOVO I've used these plus a linen strop with .5 micron chromium oxide spray paste and a hard wool felt strop with the "white paste." Also, I use a bridle leather hanging strop for daily stropping. Anyway, I love shaving and everything about it about and would really love to make a hobby out of honing and restoration. Luckily, I have this place with all you experts and newbies. I'm thankful for that and the conversations I'll have with you all from here on! Thanks for everything in advance!
A 5/8 razor worn down to 4/8 is very likely ground past its belly so while you can make it into a sharp piece of steel again it will not shave like the razor it was intended to be.