Thread: help with my first straight

I just got my new Hen and Rooster razor the other day. First off, is this a good razor. Secondly, when I pulled it out of the case, it had an edge on it. The problem is that it is a straight cornered edge and when you look at the shape of the razor, it looks like it should be rounded. Thirdly, it is dull as hell, it won't even shave hairs on my arm. Now, I am an experienced blade sharpener and I do blades for others at a small fee. But I only have done knives, not razors, so I didn't attempt to sharpen it. I can get pocket folders, fixed blade knives, even a few 10" to 24" bowies to shave hair, but my razor won't?!? Why? I think that when I bought it, the dealer I bought it from tried to sharpen it before he delivered it. ANY comments or advice? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks to all. TJ.

Others will chime in with a bit more experienced knowledge, but I've seen blades that have been honed to where the tips of the edge have produced a squared corner on what is supposed to be a rounded edge. More experienced honers will be able to take care of that.

I've never sharpened knives at any rate, so I can't speak for the similarities, but I know a few people here have said that there's a decent difference between edges on a knife and edges on a razor, primarily the delicate nature of a razor edge.

Additionally, you said there was an edge, but then recanted and said there was no edge? Pictures, of course, always help.

Also, the easiest way to guarantee an edge on the blade is to send it out to a pro, or at least someone who has experience sharpening razors, and have them get it shave-ready. That way you can dive head-first into the straight-razor world and eliminate the obstacle of, "Is my razor shave-ready?"

There's quite a few people in Illinois who hone razors, too.

Can you post a picture? Maybe it's meant to have a point, many do. It's probably a good idea to send it out the first time, maintaining a good edge is simple in comparison to fixing a screwed up bevel (which it will be if the dealer didn't know what they were doing). I've never owned a Hen and Rooster but from what I remember, they have a good name.

The dealer more likely dulled it more than he sharpened it. You at least seem to recognize there is a difference between honing a razor and honing a knife so you are off to a great start!
I have held a Hen and Rooster, but have never honed or shaved with one. I will gladly hone it for free except for the price of postage just for the opportunity to try one. Send me a PM if interested.
Regarding the toe of the blade, if the corner comes to a sharp 90 degree angle, that is called a spike point. If it is very slightly rounded, that is a square point. A spike can be muted (dulled) so that it does not cut, without altering the aesthetics of the blade. This just takes a couple of light strokes on the side of a hone.

Accpet Ron's offer and he will be in the best position to tell you is your blade ok or bad blade.
Usually very rare blades comes shave ready from factory.

I meant that the edge was very dull. Sorry.

the shape of the razor is rounded at the toe and the edge put on it was squared at the curve of the blade. Make sense? I will send pics soon.

FWIW --

the main differences I see, between "knife" and "razor" sharpening:

1. Knive sharpening often ends at 1K grit; razor sharpening _starts_ at 1K grit, and goes to 8K (at least) or finer. After that, CrOx (on a pasted strop, _not_ a wheel) can be used. You want to polish the edge with the CrOx, not round it off.

2. Razors are honed _flat_ on the stone, with very light pressure (to avoid distorting the blade and reduce the size of the microscratches). The thickness of the razor's spine serves as a bevel-angle gauge. Bevels are usually around 16 - 18 degrees, much narrower than knife bevels.

If you can make those adjustments (and have, or want to buy, 2K / 4K/ 8K hones), you should be able to transfer your skills from knives to razors. If not, send it out.

Charles

That's good advice about square vs spike. I'm considering taking my spike Boker to a square, now, since I can't seem to stop digging the spike into my face.