Thread: Keen edge

Hello, I am new to the forum and the world of straight razor shaving. I recently acquired a used Tuckmar straight razor (Tuckmar Tee) which has a 1/2" blade and says it is made of "Best Sheffield Silver Steel". I also acquired a strop from classic shaving and a Frictionite #24 hone from http://www.redtrader99.com/hones.html.
I've been shaving with it the past couple of weeks but have been having a bit of trouble getting a close shave. I end up having to go over some spots many times (which causes some bad razor burn) to get close; especially around the jaw line. Reading some other posts I figured that my razor was not honed well enough. I think my technique is Ok as far as stropping and shaving goes. I have been having some trouble getting my razor to pass the HHT and mostly it will cut the hair in the lower 1/2 of the blade. It is probably my honing technique or the hone that I have. So I wanted to know if you thought that the hone I have is suitable for putting a keen edge (the razor is currently pretty sharp and will fairly easily cut arm hair) or if you had any suggestions for me. If you could give me any help it would be appreciated.

Frictionites are NOT my favorite barber hones. But to answer your question, someone with moderate skill should be able to put a good edge on a razor with a Frictionite. I have been, I think, in your shoes, at your skill level and I have tried it and failed. Today I could probably put a shaving edge on a razor with a brick, not so back then.

I would suggest trying a different hone or maybe a paddle strop with paste or sending it out.

For me the hard part of dealing with a Frictionite was keeping it clean. It seemed to alway sluff off the garnets. Is yours nice and cleanly smooth?

The hone I have is clean and smooth. I'll try rinsing it every once in a while to make sure everything is clean. I have been trying to avoid plunking down the eighty bucks to buy the Norton water stone until later on since I am a student right now. I've been experimenting with different pressures while honing. I read somewhere that you should use only the pressure required to keep the edge on the hone. Does this sound about right?
By the way, I see that you are writing from Stephens City. I am currently living in London, Canada but am originally from Purcellville. Good old Shenandoah Valley. Very nice part of the country there.

Yes, I know Purceville very well.

Yes, generally the lightest touch possible produces the best, but sometimes slowest, result.

Since you should be in no hurry that is the method I would use.

Thanks a lot for the advice. Are there any other hones that you would recommend to me?

No, because your experience, technique and patience have a lot to do with how much you'll like a hone.

I suggest you just try a few others.

There are many, many hones to choose from.

But, lets say I tell you my favorite is the Carborundum 103. That would leave you in a little bit of a spot. I like the Norton 4/8 and I'm betting a coticule would be something I could learn to use too. Spyderco UF sounds like it could be interesting too.

I would suggest reading up on the various hones and decide for yourself. The only good advice I can give you is that in the beginning you should gravitate toward slower hones over faster hones.

I'm certain that there are many good hones I've never tried.