Thread: some sharp some almost sharp

So I just got into this fine hobby. Didnt really read about it study it or anything just watched a few videos on youtube on how its done, then got a cheap-o razor off ebay. I have no idea what it is who made it or anything.

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

So got it in the mail polished it up and put it on my knife stones (it should be noted that my friend says the only reason I got into it was my need sharpen things) so the stones I own go up to a thousand grit after that I would use some 2000 grit wet/dry then go to an old leather belt with porter cable light polish paste on it. Well thats pretty much the same thing I did with that razor. I have been shaving for around 3 weeks now and picked up some latigo leather for a strop which did help alot.

I can now shave with both hands face and neck with very little irritation and no nicks WOOOO!! its awesome. Now I got on this fourm which is great love all the wit on here too, post about honeing the air outside hahaha!! So now I got a wade and butcher bow a boker and some others on the way to the house. How is it i got that little one sharp enough to shave well with (or at least what I think is well) but I just cant quite get that wade and butcher there??? I know that I dont have the ideal setup and plan to remedy that soon. Just seemed odd that even without the ideal set up I was able to get the small one hair popping sharp but not the other any ideas. Sorry this is so disjointed and weird I have to keep leaving the keyboard.

Set up
aramis soap smells wonderful
small weird unknown razor shaves well
wade and butcher bow shaves greath, some day soon hopefuly
boar brush for now latigo leather strop

Thanks gents

Congratulations on your success in honing and shaving. I always enjoy reading the success stories. I am just beginning to learn honing. I bought a Norton Set (220/1000, 4000/8000, and flattening stone) to go with my Swaty Barber's hone.

I am told that it is not too hard to get a razor sharp but the challenge is in whether you can get the razor to shave smoothly and whether the razor will hold the edge. I am looking forward to learning. I keep my kitchen knives sharp with a 800 grit Japanese water stone but razors are another whole matter. I was fortunate to have a two-hour session on razor honing with Larry Andro (Whipped Dog Razors).

I hope you have continuing success!

Happy Shaving!

Welcome to SRP.
For whatever reason,be it steel,stone or skill, I would suggest the bevel was easier to set on the razor that shaved well. That is usually the major factor. Keep at it.

There are a great number of factors here. It could be the razor, but let's assume not for now.
It could be the grind, if the wade is a heavier grind it may take longer. If the grind is more hollow it could be that you are using too much pressure.
It could be the shape of the blade, if one is straight another smiling or frowning.
It could be the width of the blade if the wad is smaller or significantly larger that has caused some people trouble.
Could be a multitude of other things. You may want to check out some of gssixgun's videos on youtube as well as hi_bud_gl, I am sure there are more, but I am half asleep.

Originally Posted by DLB

Congratulations on your success in honing and shaving. I always enjoy reading the success stories. I am just beginning to learn honing. I bought a Norton Set (220/1000, 4000/8000, and flattening stone) to go with my Swaty Barber's hone.

Thats the setup I was looking to buy, seems to be what alot of people are using.

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

There are a great number of factors here. It could be the razor, but let's assume not for now.
It could be the grind, if the wade is a heavier grind it may take longer. If the grind is more hollow it could be that you are using too much pressure.
It could be the shape of the blade, if one is straight another smiling or frowning.
It could be the width of the blade if the wad is smaller or significantly larger that has caused some people trouble.
Could be a multitude of other things. You may want to check out some of gssixgun's videos on youtube as well as hi_bud_gl, I am sure there are more, but I am half asleep.

Well from what I understand the wade & buther is a 1/4 hollow grind, I didnt think about it needing more time on the stone to set the bevel so I will give this a try thanks for the info. As well the chrome oxide powder is in the mail.