Dull Razor

I bought the Dovo Best Quality and I am having trouble getting a sharp
enough edge. I got a 4000/8000 and viewed some videos on honing. Is
it common to hone for a half hour and still have a dull blade? I
tried the thumb test and I honed for 10 minutes, shaved, then on
another day 20 minutes, shaved. I expect a continued challenge, and I
am patient with this, but do you have any advice?
After the 30 minute hone, it was a bit sharper, but not where I'd like
it. The blade is not successfully cutting my whiskers.

Also, What does an overhoned razor feel like and how does one
correct this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ml6967

I bought the Dovo Best Quality and I am having trouble getting a sharp
enough edge. I got a 4000/8000 and viewed some videos on honing. Is
it common to hone for a half hour and still have a dull blade? I
tried the thumb test and I honed for 10 minutes, shaved, then on
another day 20 minutes, shaved. I expect a continued challenge, and I
am patient with this, but do you have any advice?
After the 30 minute hone, it was a bit sharper, but not where I'd like
it. The blade is not successfully cutting my whiskers.

Also, What does an overhoned razor feel like and how does one
correct this?

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Where do you live?

I would suggest sending it out to be sharpened by someone, and then get a decent razor off ebay (can be had for ~$20 if you look) and practice your honing on that one. It really helps to have one to compare your honing to.

I seriously doubt you overhoned your razor. IIRC one of the senior people here said that you'd have to do a LOT to overhone.

If you like, I can give you my address, and I'd be glad to hone it up for you if you just take care of the shipping costs.

First, are you using the Norton Pyramid? It must be recommended for new honers. Heck, I still use it because it works. Do a 15/5 start down to 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. TPT all through and and see where you are at the end.

The answer may be in your technique. I use the Rolling X stroke, even on the flat edges because it subtly changes the pressure point along the edge throughout the honing stroke. Easy does it all the way.

An over honed razor will have a weak, papery feeling edge and it usually won't shave at all. Back honing in a stropping motion for a few laps usually takes care of it.

its pretty common to spend hours on the hone at first try and untill you find out how to do it correctly

getting atleast one shave ready from a pro is one of the best tools for finding out what you aim for too

I found a $10 radio shack microscope help me as much as anything. You can take a look at the edge and see if the honing is getting all the way to the edge or if a double bevel is present. It will also let you know if your honing technique is good. It really gives really good feedback as you hone. Getting a cheap practice razor is a good idea. I've been honing about three years and I still get a little nervous honing a custom.

This is exactly what happened when i first started honing. (2 weeks ago lol)

Since then i've gotten 4 razors shave ready and I haven't gotten any razor burn from them when using them.

The problem I had was that i was pushing the blade down too hard on the hone.

I'de suggest first getting a cheapish razor (maybe something off ebay but definately something you dont want to display)

1. Get yourself set up in a comfortable position
2. Get a desk lamp next to you so you can assess the edge after each set on the hone
3. Use the X pattern and the hone pyramid from the WIKI
4. Use VERY VERY VERY LIGHT strokes - I hold the razor from both sides with only enough pessure to stop the edge lifting off the hone.
5. Even if you are holding it lightly try even lighter pressure at the end (1/3, 1/3 sets)

If you are over honing I believe you would see a reflection on the edge under a lamp (correct me if i'm wrong)

Once ive done that I strop 30 times on canvas and 100 times on the strop. I'm afraid the shave test is the only definitive test ive found that works although I do sometimes check on my arm hairs in between sets on the hone.

Hope it helps. Its a steep but fulfilling learning curve. Keep at it.