Thread: Transitioning from tools to razors

Hi. Noob here.
In Covid, I picked up sharpening and now have a house full of superb kitchen knives, woodworking chisels and mirror sharp planes. When I came across this treasure, I couldn’t resist and sharpened one… then I read a bit, sharpened another and honed it. Both cut paper and arm hair but neither will shave (safely)

I get it. Straight razors are not chisels.

So next steps are to find a shave ready blade to see what I’m missing. I might pick up a disposable and recommendations welcome.

But I really prefer to learn sharpening/honing. It’s quite relaxing and the sound of steel on stone is deeply soothing.

I think I’m missing something in my toolset…
Here’s what I’ve been hacking at:

• 500/1000 boy scout whetstone for repairs
• 1000 wet paper
• 2000 wet paper
• DMT Fine diamond
• DMT extra fine is amazing for tools but razors don’t “sing” on it
• Something is missing here (gap of 6-8k?)
• Naniwa 12000
• Strop canvas
• Strop leather

My practice razor is sharper than anything in this house but still won’t cut anything but armhair.

You’re all advanced and this is tons of fun. Be nice

Thanks