Thread: Got it sharp...but just not sharp enough. Suggestions?

+1 to JeffR's suggestion that more stropping may be needed. I went through a spell where I was getting edges to be sharp enough, but uncomfortable to shave with, and (sometimes) stropping was the issue. I now do 100+ on linen or webbing and 100+ on leather after honing. It doesn't always work, sometimes I think I just didn't get the bevel right or spend enough time on sharpening, but sometimes it will just take the harshness out of the edge.

If you can shave arm hairs off without touching the skin, and you can do so along the entire cutting edge of the blade it really is sharp enough. I think you better work on your technique now. Beginners often blame the instrument while they need to hone their shaving skills.

100+ on linen and 100+ on leather? Holy cow!

I'll try that to see if it helps.

Of course...my arm might be so tired afterwards that I won't feel like shaving!

I'll take a closer look at technique as well.

Just in case...I seem to remember that some board members offer sharpening services, right? I'll poke around to see what I can see.

I have to have a cup of tea and a lie-down between linen and leather, of course.