Quote Originally Posted by binder View Post
I have a razor and am about to start straight shaving. The razor edge has a slight raise on the ends: about 1 millimetre the last 1/2 inch or so at the toe and heel. Will this be good to start shaving with?

How will I maintain the edge; can I use a regular x stroke? I don't have experience with sharpening, so would like to start with the easiest.

I also need to know what is the highest level of grit I need to use for maintaining the razor; I might get a barber hone or water stone. What grit do I need if I use the the stone on its own? or before chromium oxide paste? From what I've read around 0.5 is a good finish. I know from looking at grit comparison charts that there is a difference between stones, but I'm trying to get an idea of what to look for.

For now I thought I would start with an abrasive sheet I can get from Lee Valley. They have 0.5 Silicon Carbide and Chromium Oxide. Would this work?
What do you mean a raise on the ends of the razor? Do you mean it is a smiling razor or the edge itself is warped? Did the razor come shave ready from someone we know in the forums to tell you the edge is already good enough to start with?

When you first learn this hobby it is a good idea to learn how to use the razor and strop correctly before honing, for several months, to learn how to get a good shaving result. Not knowing how to strop or shave can dull an edge on it's own and then you're going to be confused and frustrated as to what happened to the razor you paid for.
As far as what hones will touch up a razor, anything 8K or above will work depending on the edge condition.

Please learn to strop and shave properly with the razor, if it was honed by a pro, before asking about sharpening razors, it will lead to problems if you jump ahead to hones. Chromium oxide paste is good to refresh an edge and so are old Barber's hones found on Ebay.

A beginners strop sold by Ken of ruprazor has Chromium Oxide on the back for razor touch ups.

Hope this helps you.