Thread: Cannot get an edge to shave with Help..........

I'm a bit embarrassed to post this however, as a new straight razor shaver I purchased a couple of razors from ebay. One in particular is a George Wostenholm and it appears to be a 1/2 hollow blade although I'm not sure. I've tried to hone this at least 5 times using a 1k king, 4 and 8 k norton and some finishing with a 12k naniwa. It passes some of the tests. The HHT and the TNT. I've been successful sharpening knives so I think I know what I'm doing as far as knives go, and also am immatating some of the vids on straight razor place. When I shave the blade seems to glide over my face seemingly hardly removing any hair. From past experience with knives I'm thinking there was too much metal removed in the past cause the spine seems fairly flat on the sides. So the edge maybe on too thick of metal for it to shave. Is that possible?

When do you use the TNT? You may be using more pressure than needed, less can be/do more with razors. Do you know what we mean when we use the term bevel set? Other than cosmetics the flattened spine shouldnt be much of a problem.

First off, what is your shaving experience yet? you have a lot of variables here that could cause your results. To pin-point right now would be difficult. it could be the razor, your technique for honing, your technique for shaving, unlapped hones...
The list can go on for a while. I would reduce the factors right now by having someone hone for you. Some of the very best knife sharpeners are humbled by razors just like our best razor honers are humbled by knives (not naming names). They are different animals.
Also if you post a location you might find someone close to help you.
Pictures might help with the blades themselves.

Some pictures of the spine would help. Some of the older blades have a lot of honing wear on the spine; this makes for longer time on the stones.

Appreciate all the feedback so fast. I have sent a couple of rZors to a member to get a benchmark as to what is sharp. I'm in ft.Lauderdale FL Shaving for 50 years but about 2 months str8 rz . I believe my stones are flat and have mimicked some of the members bids

I meant videos. I'm typing on a smart phone a ms have a bandage on my thumb from testing an edge. Live and learn. I think This razor is more of a challenge than anything

It's best to not learn shaving and honing at the same time.
If it were me I'd wait to get the properly honed razors before proceeding.

I agree with gugi . I learned to shave with razors I was honing myself . I've had over 30 years experience honing my various knives and woodworking tools , and I was able to get an edge I could shave with after about 5 tries . But it wasn't until after I got a shave ready razor from Bob Keyes , that I realized that my edges were not up to the potential they are capable of . There's a big difference between an edge you CAN shave with , and an edge you WANT to shave with .

pm sent.... if you need help i am local here in fort lauderdale....

Dave
I appreciate the feedback. In fact I've sent out a couple of razors to be honed by gssixgun. I'm anxious to use these as benchmarks to know what to look for. These were off the shelf brand new razors. One of them seemed to shave well but I've taken your suggestion I guess before your suggestion to see what a good shave should be. Thanks