Quote Originally Posted by dinnermint View Post
I just have some questions to help clear some things up.

1) What stones exactly are in your progression? It kinda sounds like just 1k and 20k...
2) The thumbnail test is a destructive test, are you taking that into account?
3) Are you inspecting progress after bevel set? How so?

It sounds like the edge could be crumbling. If you're having issues with thin razors, you could be too heavy handed. Someone more experienced will probably chime in soon as well.
Quote Originally Posted by RezDog View Post
Loupe?
You might be going to far or you might not be starting with a properly set bevel, as stated.
I too am curious as to what the middle of your progression looks like.
Sure thing. My progression is 1k Chosera, circles like Lynn Abrams says 40 each way and then 25 or so x strokes all with pressure ~2 lbs or lighter. Test thumbnail, if it digs in hard I stop, do 5 strokes more and then move on to the 5K. 40 circles with pressure 40 with weight of the blade. 5-10 x strokes and looking for smoothness/sticking and water cresting over the top. Sometimes I will wash off the metal if its stuck in the stone or lap it again before the 5-10. Move to 8K 7-10 strokes weight of the blade trying to be even. I will test arm hair here to see if its clipping mid way. If it clips mid way here I move on to the 12k. Ten strokes and see if it clips hair smoother. If so I move to the Suehiro 20K. Lynn emailed me about this stone and suggested to try and keep it 15 strokes or less weight of the blade only. I try my best . Most I do is 20ish, here I test the HHT and if it passes whole length of the blade I strop it and test shave.

Results: extremely buttery smooth shave down stroke right side of face. Neck and all. Left side, starts to be less clean and by neck less buttery. Across the face left side starting to pull. Right side obvious pulling but still cutting. ATG edge is broken down.
I visually inspected the blade with a loupe to see that edge is even and scratches are removed. I also eyeball to see. I am relying more on arm hair test though. I think maybe I should try shaving arm hair first before leaving the 1k? I don't know its really weird and frustrating.