Finally starting to get it :)

Howdy

Well as some may recall I am battling away with this honing dealy on my Gotta, well I finally appear to have cracked it, I went throught the pyramid again and then finished up on the 12k.

100 Fabric
110 Leather

and then the test shave, not as close as usual, but only slightly rougher, and only to the touch, oh and I had to clean up my sideburns with the DE but I think that's mostly due to not so great as usual prep and the fact I aint so used to the blade with, but here it is I'm finally at a point were a razor honed by my chubby fingers holds an edge and shaves well, and I have officially added it back to my 2 razor rotation :D

That all being said I have to say thank you to the good people here, for without your patience and guidance I'd still be knocking to rocks together, trying to find fire as it where lol.

Geek

That's exciting! I remember the first razor I got "shave ready" was a real thrill; it wasn't as sharp or smooth as I can get them now (which is still not as sharp or smooth as I want to make them) but the fact that it shaved without tugging or irritation was enough to have me fired up for DAYS.

Enjoy the feeling. :)

Many times a razor will be a little harsher than usual on the initial shave after honing (which is why many people go to pastes after stones). Subsequent shaves will be better ie smoother and more comfortable, which may be the case for you. Either way, congrats and happy shaving!

We both hit a home run the same day!

Congrats!!!

I took the razor that was pulling from my last attempt and did a touch-up pyramid on the Norton 4k/8K, then about 20 on the Shapton 16k glass. All of this was extremely light x strokes, like it did not feel like I was doing any honing at all. Then 30 laps on CrOx pasted strop, and a 50/100 on my Illinois 827 Russian.

Only the weight of the razor on the hones is the secret.:)

Congratulations jeff :)

Well here's hoping some stropping goodness will tidy it up, there was no irritation which was good, just the odd missed bit :p

Geek

Just a little update :)

I stropped the McGigger out of the gotta and the edge is seeming finer and finer each time, I feel a small success here :D

Geek