Thread: beginner mistakes

Hi -
I bought an unhoned razor and tried to use a diamond sharpener (DMT FWEF Double Sided Diafold Sharpener, Extra-Fine/Fine) to get it shave ready. After using the incorrect angle, backhanded movement and then some attempts with a low grit (600) sharpening stone, the edge is still pretty dull and I'm worried that I may ruin the blade. Can I possibly eventually get there by persisting with the diamond sharpener, or should I invest in a nice 4K hone and be done with it? Thanks!

Hi, welcome to SRP.
Your beginner mistake is not reading up how to hone a straight razor, you got it all wrong...

Read this as a start: Beginner's Guide to Honing - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by jockuly

Can I possibly eventually get there by persisting with the diamond sharpener, or should I invest in a nice 4K hone and be done with it? Thanks!

Neither.
You will only achieve a bevel set with the DMT if you have the skill & a mid range sharpening with the 4k. You want something like an 8k after that for minimum comfort.

IMHO:

If this is your first (and only) razor:

. . . send it out for honing.

When you shave with it, you'll understand what "sharp" means. And you'll have something to aim for when honing your _next_ razor.

If you're strapped for cash, you can set bevels using wet-or-dry sandpaper, 600 / 1000 / 2000 grit. Getting to a "shave-ready" edge will require something finer -- 4K / 8K Norton, for example, or a barber hone. Follow with CrOxide on a pasted strop.

Read the Wiki -- it's very good.