Quote Originally Posted by PaulFLUS View Post
Preface: I AM NOT A HONEMEISTER. JUST A GUY WHO MANAGES TO MAINTAIN HIS OWN.

Ditto what steel said. I guess I was too dumb to know what not to do. It probably would have been easier if I had my dad show me when he was doing it (he had a sharpening business when I was a kid) but I was young, dumb and full of...vinegar. I had to learn the hard way from a lot of mistakes...but now I'm hijacking.

You have to know at least what a dull razor is which it sounds like you do. You probably don't have the right stones to acheive what you want. Norton makes a good kit that is about $150 US with 2 double sided hones, 220/1k, 4k/8k and a leveling stone. That covers a lot of ground fairly cheaply.
Dave (rolodave) is right though. It is a LOT easier to start with one that already has a decent bevel and edge and learn to maintain then hone, then bevel set backwards from there. Maybe that is why I didn't screw up more than I did. My heirloom from my Dad (rip Dad) was nearly shave ready when I got it and his barber hones. Muddled through refreshing then learned more, blah, blah, blah... You get the picture.
I always suggest the 4k/8k pyramid progression (these other guys are probably rolling their eyes now) which you can find in the library, because it was where things really went from messing with this and that to a method which had consistent results without fail. Definitely watch gssixgun's videos because that will teach you a LOT about technique in stroke, pressure, angles etc. After that, whatever progression or method you use will be a lot more successful. But first you are going to need some hones. My suggestion is to start with synthetic (man-made) rather than quarried (natural) stones because they are easier to learn and you have a better grip on the grit range. Good luck and don't give up. Also, you are well advised to start with a razor that is not an heirloom or fancy expensive one. If you need junkers to practice with I'll be glad to send you a couple.
I never seem to be able to find razors to practice on around here... All I ever see are 150 to 200 dollar razors and I would be afraid to practice on something that cost that much....