Hello everyone!

I'm a newbie. I just bought a Thiers Issard 5/8" Singing Straight Razor. I am having a lot of trouble getting it sharp, I have a Norton dual 4000 and 8000 grit stone. Ive also tried a yellow Coticule 8000 grit stone from Belgium. I've watched countless videos, I am realizing that this might be something you can't learn on youtube? Is that possible???

As for the strop, I am using a very narrow Jemico pasted strop. One of the sides is leather, and the other is some weird type of soap stone or something.

I can get the blade sharp enough to shave, but it isn't very enjoyable.

I'm looking for guidance on what my next step forward should be.

Thanks in advance!

Greg