Help with Honing!

Ok so I've been using a straight razor for about a month and it's tons of fun. My two best razors I have are two Dovo's. One is a 5/8 and the other is the Shavette that you can change the blades (not lazy, just wanted to try it out). I also have a few other less than great razors that I have been practicing honing with. I have a 4000 waterstone and an old fashioned barber hone I got my hands on. I've watched numerous vidoes and read hundreds of threads on the process of honing. I took one of the blades and started to try it out. The blade on the razor was very dull (wouldnt cut hair on my arm). Sat here for at least an hour doing pyramids with the two hones. No progress at all....what could be the problem? I know I am using a light touch and the razor does have a bevel on it. Any ideas would help! I'm a complete newb at this :(

A bevel applied on a 4k should easily shave arm hair off. Can you be a bit more specific on your hone equipment? Did you lap your hones?

Stay on the 4000 until you can shave arm hair. Use the TNT and black marker to be sure you have a bevel.

From over 4000 grit, use the TPT.

Reread the sections on the Pyramid and Progressive methods, links are near the bottom of this post: http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...faq-index.html

Don't give up and keep us posted.

Ok, I read the info on the link you provided. I think I'm having trouble setting the bevel. It's not cutting at all so I suppose the bevel is not set. I'm using a 4000 grit Wa****a Translucent Whetstone. Yes it's been lapped and is flat. How much pressure should I be using while trying to set this?

Someone else will have to help you with the Wa****a, I don't use one. If black marker shows your Wa****a to be cutting way too slow, it might be time to get a different hone or two.

Most people here seem to use DMT, Shapton, Norton, Coticules, and/or Spydercos to set bevels.

I would probably just keep honing, perhaps adding a touch of pressure (if your impatient). You may want to tape the spine too. That can help move the process along and save any damage.

I'm assuming these are beater razors.

It sounds to me like the razors are still under-honed.

If you mean a Was-h-i-t-a- Translucent hone then thats the problem.
1. There is no such hone. If it is translucent then it is an Arkansas translucent. A Was-h-i-t-a is a coarser, non-translucent hone.The Translucent stones are meant as a finishing hone for knives. They are rated as approx 1200 grit but that is misleading. They are also so slow at abrading an edge that your wrist may fall of before you establish a bevel. In addition those stones must have the surface "refreshed" because the abrasive grains become rounded over from use.

2. If your serious about honing razors then purchase a Norton 4/8 hone. They are very effective.

Others will chime in with more suggestions.:)

Give any of the Japanese style waterstones a try, you will love them. The Norton 4000/8000 is a premier choice at a reasonable price. The Japanese concept stone will be water soluble. As you use the stone the abrasives will slowly exfoliate off into a pasty slurry. As the slurry particles roll around under your blade they cut very finely but quickly You will get terrific edges in far less time with far less effort.