Thread: A sharp razor makes all the difference

The razor I started using was sent to me as "pre-sharpened", I did not feel that the razor was sharp enough after my first shave. I touched the razor up on a 4k/8k norton and it seemed to have some improvement. However, I really had nothing to compare it against. So I purchased a "shave ready" razor from this site. This razor did not seem any better than the one that I had touched up on my own. I thought that I had figured out how to hone a edge and was pretty happy with myself.

That has all changed this week. I was lucky enough to attend the Colorado meeting with Glen. Glen was gracious enough to hone the razor that I had previously honed on my own. Come to find out I had left a "wire edge" on this razor. Shaving with the razor that Glen had honed has been a pure delight. I could not have imagined that a truly honed edge could be so smooth and comfortable. I was previously having to go back over and back over areas to achieve a "close" shave. Now I am able to achieve this same level in one pass with a lot less pressure on the razor.

I guess to make a long story short, anyone that is starting out and questioning the sharpness of their razor should strongly consider sending their razor to a hone meister. I has made a world of difference for me.

thanks Glen.

Congrats!

Yeah, a really well honed edge is just a world apart from something thats not quite there..!

Sounds like you guys had a good one at the meet as well..!

We need a way to search & return those members who offer honing services (geographically). I'm in Ottawa and am still canvassing local barber shops to try and find someone :-)

Originally Posted by anjp

We need a way to search & return those members who offer honing services (geographically). I'm in Ottawa and am still canvassing local barber shops to try and find someone :-)

Try floppyshoes here. He is in Canada.

Originally Posted by lincoln233

The razor I started using was sent to me as "pre-sharpened", I did not feel that the razor was sharp enough after my first shave. I touched the razor up on a 4k/8k norton and it seemed to have some improvement. However, I really had nothing to compare it against. So I purchased a "shave ready" razor from this site. This razor did not seem any better than the one that I had touched up on my own. I thought that I had figured out how to hone a edge and was pretty happy with myself.

That has all changed this week. I was lucky enough to attend the Colorado meeting with Glen. Glen was gracious enough to hone the razor that I had previously honed on my own. Come to find out I had left a "wire edge" on this razor. Shaving with the razor that Glen had honed has been a pure delight. I could not have imagined that a truly honed edge could be so smooth and comfortable. I was previously having to go back over and back over areas to achieve a "close" shave. Now I am able to achieve this same level in one pass with a lot less pressure on the razor.

I guess to make a long story short, anyone that is starting out and questioning the sharpness of their razor should strongly consider sending their razor to a hone meister. I has made a world of difference for me.

thanks Glen.

Thank you for letting us know how happy you are now and Glen was helpful.
I have always asked people if you bought razor shave ready from SRP

'PLEASE DO LET THE SELLER TO KNOW ABOUT IT SHAVE READINESS"
I don't know have you done so or not?
What this will do help the SELLERS(INCLUDING MYSELF) TO know we have done bad job. Next time when we do put up razor for sale we will say it is not shave ready instead of blaming new guy same as you.

I should add'
I Know 95% times it is a new peoples not to know how to use the shave ready blade.
What i like to take out 5% which is our mistake.
hope this helps

Originally Posted by anjp

We need a way to search & return those members who offer honing services (geographically). I'm in Ottawa and am still canvassing local barber shops to try and find someone :-)

Within limits all honemasters are the same distance via the post or
a parcel service. Wrap the razor in bubble wrap with elastic bands,
place in a small but solid cardboard box, get a tracking number.

Prepay and include a pre-printed return address..

International borders are important... but clear honest paperwork
makes that easy too.

It is true that the personal touch of a local helps...

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

It is true that the personal touch of a local helps...

If the customer has the desire to learn to hone his own and the honemeister is local and agreeable to teach that is even better. I was lucky to have that situation when I was starting out. Plus a burning desire.

True, I could ship my razors to someone in parcel-land, but it would be infinitely better to have someone local that I can visit speak with, learn from etc.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Anjp, I heard The Sharpening Shoppe on Catherine St. hone razors, but I don't know what expierence they have with them.

thanks livingontheedge! Checked out their website Shoppe Home Page and they don't have the straight razor on the price list.... but it's worth paying them a visit!