Quote Originally Posted by captainmark View Post
Its my first go with straight razors so i thought i would buy a complete kit, so i have everything i need. the kit was fairly pricy so i thought i would get good equipment, sadly the honing stone it came with was awful, it was so small i could barely even attempt to learn on it so straight away i had to replace the stone, i have a 1000/6000 king combination waterstone now. My first shave was an absolute disaster, my razor just wouldnt cut hairs without putting on lots of presssure (which i know is not necessary and hurt like hell) so i tried a few of the tests to check for sharpness, hanging hari test, no chance, the blade wont even cut the fine hairs on my inner forearm arm unless i really push. Even after about 100 or laps on the 1000# and about 80 on the 6000# the blade is no better, ive repeated several times and ive been at it for hours, is it possible its a crappy blade that came with the kit and wont get a good edge, i know im new to honing too but im following all the guides the bevel is even and looks smooth, this is the one ive got Cyril R Salter Straight Shaving Razor - Black Cut-Throat Razor
at firs welcome SRP
with your bad experience you have help some new members. Please someone add that razor to our WIKI list.
you have useless razor for shaving. If you can return it go do so.
buy Razor from SRD(YOUR BEST CHANCE 0R FROM CLASSIFIED)
I would love to help you out but unfortunately you are overseas .
I am sure we do have great members from UK someone will jump in and help you out.
IN case you stuck then contact me.
Please read wiki article razors which is bad (no quality at all)and for beginner advices.
good luck and be patient.