I've been using a Norton 4k/8k to try and get my razor to a sharp enough condition to last longer than 3 shaves before needing to be rehoned.

Lynn has been helping me with pyramids and such (big Thank You, Lynn) and each time I hone, strop and shave it seems to be a good shave: no pulling, close but not BBS, little razor burn.

Then I get the idea that it's not quite there yet because I can go over the same spots 3 times in 3 different directions and not get it really close.

I go back to the hone, then a .5 pasted paddle and the result is: duller edge.

In essence, if I don't use the paste I get a better edge and all in all, I feel like I'm almost there. I just want to tweak the edge a little more sharply so....

Here are my questions:

1. At some points during the pyramid when I try to flip the razor, I notice a little suction (as if the stone doesn't want to release the blade). Is this just because of the water or because of too much pressure on the user's part?

2. After honing, I take it to the strop. When I stop to flip the razor, I will get a sticky feeling on the edge and a little "ting" sound. (not always but it seems to happen after I've done several stokes already). Is this evidence of too much pressure?


I'll also say that I'm learning to distinguish between "pulling" and resistance, meaning that I don't think the blade is pulling my hairs so much as just a natural resistance when one object (razor) meets another (whiskers). The blade is beginning to slice through fairly easily.