Quote Originally Posted by MTLian View Post
It seems the bevel is smaller than before which leads me to believe is the reason why the razor is no longer sharp. It seems I've worn into the spine of blade and am starting to flatten it.

I'm considerably frustrated because my straight is no longer providing me with an acceptable shave and there's no adequate honing in my area. I'll have to give up on straights altogether if I can't get this right. I'll post a video of my honing procedure shortly so someone can put me on the right track if they are so inclined.
Dont give up on straights. Like all 'great things in life' you never got good until you've 'honed your blades on many hones' My advice send it out this time, buy a reasonably price vintage with no major defects which you have no signifigant attraction or feelings for and then hone it, dull it hone it and dull it, until you get a nice edge on every try. once you've burned up your test razor try maintaining the blade on your daily shaver. Lnce you have a handle on that get the confidence to work on more ambitious projects.

No man with the desire to succeed ever walked in to the first week of work at new job and expecting a promotion, and no man with a new razor and virgin hone ever took a bread knife and turned it shave ready on the first pass.