Originally Posted by
Laurens
So here is what I do (and some additional notes and questions):
- I spend quite some time on the 1K to set a nice bevel. Circles, X strokes, pressure, finishing without pressure, until the edge is already very shiny and even. Starts to get sticky with the TPT, shaves arm hair well, but I don't get feedback/suction from the hone. Sounds ok to here. Should I get feedback/suction on the 1K? How does suction or feedback make the razor shave better ? Rhetorical question. It doesn't :)
- About as much time for the 4K, basically the same thing. Starting to feel some feedback, but not much. Backward and forward stroke don't feel the same in terms of suction. I think here is where you maybe doing too much then trying to fix it on 8k by forcing the issue with pressure. This is especially a point where pressure does not belong. If you use magnification even at 1k you will see the edge start to shine up well below the shoulder of the bevel using light strokes. This is no paradox as you are simply thinning the side of the blade when using pressure & not honing the edge.
- No pressure strokes on the 8K, getting very little feedback. The only way I can stick the razor to the hone is by doing the same as 1K/4K: circles and x strokes with pressure, finishing without pressure. That way, the razor really sticks to the hone. Does it shave well when you do this ? :shrug:
- BUT, moving on to the 16K, again, I get no feedback from the hone. You could try superglue to stick the razor to the stone. :p Sorry for the sarcasm :) but I just don't see the point in trying to achieve some sensation on the stone when cutting hair is your goal.
- I keep track of my progress with the HHT. It climbs up till where I use pressure on the 8K. When I finish without pressure, the HHT result drops a little. Moving on to the 16K does not improve the HHT. Stropping does a lot. (I know all about the controversy of the HHT) I think this is a clue. Stropping should help but if it is required during the shave it can be a sign of a not so sturdy edge. Do you notice performance worsening near the end of the shave ?
- I tried lather on the 8K a few times with good result, but I'm not sure if it's good for the hone. Hence, I want to learn to use just water. I would stick to water. Shaptons are sensitive to chemicals.
The shave:
I have a tough beard, but Feathers cut right through with minimal resistance. I want the same or close from my straight razors. However, after my honing and stropping routine, I get a little tug WTG and a bit too much tug ATG, forcing me to perform scything and slicing passes and still not getting the wonderful results I get with a Feather blade (or an Astra, for that matter). You need to buy a razor that can take that kind of edge but also hold it or you will be rehoning as frequently as you replace a Feather. Needless to say a full hollow will help achieve that with less work than a wedge.
The questions:
- How sharp, in terms of resistance while shaving and/or in comparison to DE blades, should a razor coming off the 8K/16K be? Does it get close to Feather sharpness?
Depends on the razor. Some yes some no. Some for only a pass or 2. :)
- What am I doing wrong? I believe you are wrecking the edge at 4k. Pressure is of no use after the 1k. I don't know what you are trying to achieve by feeling suction or whatever feedback you seek but essentially if the razor is shaving armchair well at 1k it should only get better as you go, unless the steel will not take a good edge for some reason.
- The Feather shaves tells me my shaving technique and beard prep are good, or is that presumptuous? Not so much but I imagine the technique is different