Thread: First straightrazor

Hello all,

This is my first post on the forum. I'm in the US Navy stationed overseas currently and within the past few months have been trying to take on the challenge of learning how to shave with a straightrazor. I was hoping I could get some advice as well. I've been practicing for around 3 months now and can't seem to get much of an improvement at all. I have read a few guides and purchased the essentials but just see no improvement. I feel like my razor isnt at the sharpness it should be. I've seen a lot of references to the single hair between the thumb and finger for testing sharpness but I can't seem to achieve that level of sharpness no matter what. I use my norton 4000/8000 for my razor. I have other stones but am afraid they are too coarse. I was hoping for some general pointers. I realize it takes time to get good with a straightrazor, I just want to be sure I have everything else right. What is a good sharpening technique without overhoning? Is the test I mentioned an accurate way of testing? I'd appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks for reading.

Go to the "Honing" forum topic, "Infamous/Famous Norton 4/8K" thread, and there are 52 pages of comments specific to using the Norton 4/8K stone. I just started myself with a new Norton 4/8K. Go slow and don't put any pressure on the blade and eventually you'll get a decent edge. Incidentally, the consensus on the "Honing" thread is that the Norton will produce a perfectly good finished edge.

Check out the JaNorton 2012 thread for sure, and watch the videos from Lynn and gssixgun closely.

What kind of razor do you have btw? Sounds like you didn't buy something shaveready

And welcome to SRP!

Welcome!

Try this:

Norton Honing Circles 1.wmv - YouTube