Thread: He said he could sharpen a straight razor. He couldn't.

So when I got it back and tried to shave with it, it felt like it was ripping the individual hairs off my face. So, I had to break down and have a go at doing it myself. I pulled out my old Japanese waterstones that I use for sharpening my planes. I have a set of three up to a 6K King Stone. Had to start on the medium first to reset and rebuild the edge which looked completely destroyed. I think he sharpened it on one of those sandpaper things they use on knives, the edge was a wreck. Watched a load of videos online and got to work. When it came off the 6K it was sharp enough to nick me but not quite sharp enough to remove the 'little tiny hairs growing out of my face'. Finally I broke down and ordered a 12K Naniwa. Went back to the 6K as I had tried to shave with it already then finished it on the 12. What an awesome skill to master. I did use tape. It shaved like the day I got it, except that I am better now and I didn't cut myself the 7 times I did on my first try.
Big shout out of Thanks to all you guys on here as I read a lot of this forum before I tried, and got it right the first time. I have been sharpening things with waterstones for over 30 years so I am sure that that helped, but knowing what I needed helped a lot too.
Now I am going to scout the antique/junk shops locally to see if I can find a decent razor to restore.
I also got a double time flattening stone which is an amazing piece. Wish I had known about those years ago, I spent many years flattening my stones on sandpaper taped to the top of my table saw. I also discovered that although the 12K was brand new out of the box it did require flattening before I could use it so beware of that.
Cool stuff and thanks again guys.

Congratulations. We keep saying honing isn’t rocket science. The combination of your experience sharpening on water stones and your willingness to go out and research what you needed and how to use it paid off.

Sounds like you are well on your way to RAD and SAD ; )

It’s nice get get it done for the first time. As with all things sharpened, it’s all about having the apex perfect, but my guess is you knew that. The 1K shave is always a fun challenge. 1K hone, strop and shave. If you have a light hand and a perfect apex you will be amazed as to how good it can be. I still do it every now and then. Have fun hunting for new candidates. Wish I could go home on the hunt more often.

I see you have thrown down the gauntlet of the 1K shave. I find this idea very interesting and when I have been shaving again regularly, I had to go back to a cheap disposable when my SR went dull, I will try to find me a razor and see if I can do that. Don't hold your breath!

You guys kill me! No 1k shaves for me!
Where in Texas are you? (Makes a huge difference!)

I didn’t feel like a real straight shaver until I mastered the hone. Congrats!

Don't forget about that strop, Earcutter! The strop!

Central, Nr Austin

A small honing session is in the works. I will get ahold of you as something is concrete.

I tried the 1k shave. Its not for me either. If was cutting but was no where near what i like for a shave. But i gave it a try. And i agree with being able to hone myown and strop well makes me feel more like a real SR user. Its all part of the fun. Congrads and keep it up. Get to the honing meetup Tom is speaking of as 8t will help you so much its hard to believe until you've done it.