Thread: finishing straight razors

all stones were lapped using the norton FX#1

Why sre you worried about the side of the razor being polished? The edge is all that matters and 12k isn't the cure. Until you can get good shaves off 8k, you need to leave the 12k alone.

I personally recommend new honers to learn to touch up a razor first and work gradually down the grits.

ok, I have a 60 - 100x magnification usb microscope and a loupe on the way. I am not worried about polishing the side it is the edge, I am about to test shave with it, seems to be cutting fairly well

Ok, just had a shave with the razor and it does shave, not the best experience ever, but it defonatly shaves. I'll wait now for the microscope and inspect and show you guys.

8k should be able to shave comfortably. Sounds like the edge needs more work, maybe a few more strokes on the 4k then try again on the 8.

OK I will try this
Thanks

ok, i managed to find a 40x magnifier (misses collects them lmao) i can get a good look at the edge, what exactly am I looking for to say the bevel is set?

What's the point of having a mirror finish? Even with a mirror finish you can have mirochips or a wire-edge.
I don't agree with monkeypuzzlebeefeater that 8K is only entry level sharp. Generations of barbers and many members here use coticules as final polishers. I have had great edges off the coticule, just a few round trips on a strop and you have a keen edge.
I personally do not think we should discourage beginners by giving the the idea they need an ultra-sophisticated expensive umpteen K hone to get a good edge.

Just been checking out my 8k stone which was claimed to be for straight razors but after reading through the info slip with it it claims it is a tool sharpener. So looks like on top of me learning I have the wrong tool for the job.... the reason I ask about mirror finish is because as a beginner I thought the polished or mirror finish edge would aid in a smoother shave as opposed to a slightly shiny silver edge...

Just had a shave from a Welsh purple slate hone, It doesn't leave a mirror finish and I would rate the grit rating between 8k-10k. It was a very nice shave.