Thread: The Precipice

I have reached the precipice. I've gotten over the hump. I've overcome the learning curve... and I took that last step today. The payoff was the perfect shave.

The background...

Over the last four months or so, I went from never shaving with a straight razor, to exclusively shaving with them and honing my own. I have collected 14 razors now, and let me tell you... the learning curve has been steep. The super group of gentlemen at this website and at razorandstone.com contributed to almost all of my knowledge and skill, so I want to thank you for that!!

I began restoring and honing my own razors (mostly antique store and ebay finds) about a month after I began shaving with them. Sham has been my main source of information in honing... that guy knows his stuff!!! Up until about two weeks ago, I was honing only with a Norton 1k/4k/8k and getting some very smooth shaving edges. Then, I got a C12k (affectionately known 'round these parts as the PHIG) and it threw a big huge monkey wrench into my routine. I've been struggling with maintaining shave ready razors since my new acquisition. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist... so I really do want all 14 of my razors shave ready... all the time!!! Then maybe I can buy some more razors (shh... don't tell the wife).

Fast Forward to TODAY!

Today, my order from SRD came in... with a puck of Tabac, a plug of .5 micron CrOx, and my very own copy of Lynn Abrams World of Straight Razor Shaving DVD! Man, was I happy. I ordered it Thursday, and didn't expect to see it until next week.

I sat down and watched the whole DVD, and let me tell you that thing is loaded with great information. I figured out while watching it that I had overhoned all but four of my razors. I immediately took the steps that Lynn suggested to remedy the problem using the last bit of the pyramids, applied my CrOx to the back of my Filly Strop, and got ready to shave. I honed / stropped / shave tested 3 razors and got the closest shave I've ever had... So satisfying!!

Thanks again to everyone for all of the support... and thanks to Lynn for getting me over the hump!! This shave is for you!

Razors: Joseph Allen Non XLL / Boker Red Injun No 101 / Genko

That's a great story! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great photo.

I assume you picked up the phig recently, may i ask where you bought it from? Im still convinced mine instantly dulls a razor after 8k, and yours looks to be the same size... the larger one from woodcraft?

Originally Posted by epd

I assume you picked up the phig recently, may i ask where you bought it from? Im still convinced mine instantly dulls a razor after 8k, and yours looks to be the same size... the larger one from woodcraft?

I got it from woodcraft.com:
Item number 144951 Natural Water Stone, 8" x 2" x 1"
It's the smaller one ($22.99)

I use the slurry left over from about 8 or 10 figure 8s on a DMT8 and then add a bit more water. I do 20 strokes at a time and then check the edge with a microscope. I usually end up doing 40 to 60 strokes. I have heard that if your slurry is too thick it can dull the razor. Overhoning is also something to look at.