Quote Originally Posted by Straightrazzin View Post
About 4 months ago I decided to give straight shaving another go. I bought a shave ready razor a couple years back without realizing that it took both work and time to master, so I gave up on the thing. Anyhow, I'm back at it and am really enjoying it. Before getting back into it, I sent my razor out for a professional sharpen but after using it 4/5 times a week, and discovering I've been rolling the blade the wrong way on my strop, I'm feeling due for another sharpen (I'm feeling more of a pulling sensation while shaving). Given last time I spent about $40 all in to get a professional sharpen, I was hoping to get some advice on what I need to bring my razor back to life. I've been reading different posts but for someone with 1 razor who doesn't want to spend thousands on equipment, is there 1 particular hone anyone can recommend to fulfill my goal of getting my razor very sharp? Also, please let me know if you think I NEED anything else or will 1 paddle strop and 1 hone get me 99% of the way there? Appreciate the help!
I made a decision that if I were to keep straight razor shaving I would have to learn how to maintain the blade myself. The big confidence builder for me was getting a little $15.99 Radio Shack microscope with 100x power so I could convince myself that I did the job properly. I think somebody on this forum clued me in on the microscope.