Thread: Day One

It is amazing how proficient you guys are at this. I am truly humbled and appreciative of the imput. So far, I went out and got the sandpaper and have lapped the stone. Will try the 8k later today (I actually don't even have a 1k and being so new to this I probably need the extra time on the stone to learn anyway).

I agree that the razor performance may be partly my issue, but I really do think the thing was dull out of the box (after it failed the HHT, I grabbed both ends of the hair and had to pull down a little before it cut it).

I will repost after I re-try.

Originally Posted by MTS

(I actually don't even have a 1k and being so new to this I probably need the extra time on the stone to learn anyway).

I don't have 1K stone either. I use 1K grit sandpaper, stuck with Double Stick tape on glass (any flat surface will do)... But do try to get the DOVO sharp on the Norton first. And don't attempt to shave if it ain't passing the hanging hair test. My first brand spanking new DOVO (stainless) would not cut a hair held at both ends, (Well, held at one end, and attached to my chest at the other ) even with considerable pressure...

Nenad

Yes, these guys do know their stuff. All razors are somewhat dull from the factory, don't let that worry you. They all need honing of some sort. Same reason they don't sell guns with bullets in them, makes them too dangerous. The Norton 4/8K is plenty for almost any razor (once you know what your doing). I think its probably the best all around hone there is. Nenad was referring to using a wet/dry 1K paper. You shouldn't need to buy any more hones.

While we are at it, I am assuming you got the razor new from Classicshaving based on the sentance structure of your first post. Is that correct?

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Yes, these guys do know their stuff.

haha, modesty at it's fullest...

cheers,
Nenad

On Sunday I proceeded as I believe I was advised:

1) 30 light strokes on the 8k, light strop (30x), shave left cheek (face). Getting better.
2) 10 light strokes, light stro (30x), shave right cheek (face). Again, much, much improved.
3) 10 more light, but I was done shaving for the day (decided to enjoy a martini and relax for the late afternoon. Didn't think drinking and SR shaving was a good combination.
4) Stropped lightly 30x and shaved left cheek before work today. Each time, it's getting noticeably better.

It passed the HHT for the first time, but barely. It was a long hair of my wife's that I think had some weight to it (because of the lenght). I tried to reperform with a shorter hair and no luck. But it is improving greatly. My heart has also stopped racing when I put the blade on my face.

I guess I should keep progressing with this pattern.

BTW - just to confirm, all of my equipment was purchased at ClassicShaving (except for Lynn's video, which I got directly from him).

P.S. - I had one "perfect" section (about 1"x 1"). Pure glass. While it's only a start, it's enough to motivate me. I can't imagine getting my whole face that smooth someday.

Thank again all.

MTS, I never got the hang of the thumb test and hanging hair wasn't working that well for me either. Then I tried using a strong light combined with an optivisor (strongest magnification) and reading glsses to check the light reflection on the edge held perpendicular to the light about 3 inches away/under. Light reflection will tell you areas that need more honing. The edge needs to be dried each time it is checked under the light. As the light reflection becomes non-existant the edge is ready. This can be done on the 8K with light strokes near the end of honing, but I go on to the coticule most of the time for a final polish. This technique works for me and I have not had to use the disecting microscope for a long time. I hope this helps.

Monte

Your lack of fear over the edge is indicitive of the smoothing edge. Once your mind realizes the straight feels like "a razor" it becomes easier. It sounds like your really close. I might practice a little as is. I would try a few more smoothing passes but at some point the improvement will become limited and you may need a 4K pass to remove metal.

But if your getting a smooth as glass sensation I'd call that pretty good, but thats why were here I suppose isn't it?

Congrats!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Once your mind realizes the straight feels like "a razor" it becomes easier.

Alan
This is right on the head. It is becoming one with the razor. Then you will get great shaves.

I continued shaving for a couple of days without any further honing, but it doesn't seem capable of going against the grain or on the chin.

Last night I hit the 8k for another 10 passes (I'm still really light, I only use enough pressure to make sure the blade is flat on the stone. When I've tried "the weight of the razor only", it seems to be very hard to keep perfectly level - for a novice anyway).

Restropped and shaved this morning and I feel like it's the same. It cuts most of the hair (doesn't bounce or pass over them), the save looks OK, but everything still feels really rough even after several passes with the grain. Could be technique or edge (or a combination).

I'm thinking I should hit the 4k again (possibly another pyramid?) because my last several 10x passes on the 8k haven't really resulted in noticable shave improvement and it doesn't seem sharp enough for tough hair or against the grain.

hard for anyone here to guess whats the situation. you'd done a few laps on the 8k, perhaps you have over honed it, perhaps its not honed enough. maybe you'd benefit from a finer grit finishing hone/pasted paddle before your shaves.

also, don't forget you will become better at shaving and have much better results over time. you will get used to using the razor, your skin will get used to the razor both make a difference in the quality of the shave.

as others have always stated on this board, it usually is best to send out your razor to get honed by one of the guys here the first time. this allows you to have good shaves as you learn with as little discomfort as possible. also, this allows you to feel, look, learn what a properly honed razor is like so that you can replicate it as you learn honing.

~J

ps. pick up a cheapy off ebay to learn honing. don't go ruining your nice, already honed/bevel created good razor.