Hello.

Ever since I started SR shaving - which has only been around 4-5 weeks, I have had a sense of dissapointment about not only the shave but the hours of burning afterwards. I always put that down to a beginners technique - that was until this morning

Last night, I spent some time honing up a Ebay razor purchase (a 13/16" round point hollow ground Joseph Wood****). I honed it up on a 5000, then a CH12k. This morning I thought I would give it a try, not expecting much from it - but the difference was amazing. Smooth, and very clean cutting. No razor burn, and even managed to almost get BBS on the chin area - which was previously not possible. In fact, I could barely do anything to the chin area with my TI

My main everyday razor is a TI 6/8 Festonne with the vintage blade. It was purchased shave ready - but whenever I use this blade, I get a harsh scratching sensation. I have tried touching it up on the CH12k but it doesnt help at all. I am happy enough with my stropping - this morning I gave both blades the exact same number of stropping passes - 60 on canvas and then 80 on leather.

So could it be that the Wood**** 13/16" is just more forgiving to a beginner or do you think there is a strong chance the TI is not and never was shave ready? And given the scratching sensation I get from the blade, what would you suggest I bring it back down to? Do you think honing on the 5000 and then 12k might smooth it out? I also have a yellow coti on route to me so that is the other option.

One thing is for sure, after the BBS shave this morning, I am not using that TI again until I have the edge sorted out - which is kind of dissapointing since the entire reason for splashing out on a decent first razor was to ensure that the blade itself would not be under question..

Thanks again for any advice