First honing experience a success

My Shapton glass 4,8,16 set came yesterday, and I decided to give them a try tonight. I have never honed a razor, so I was skeptical.

The first razor I honed (attempted to hone) was a TI (AOS branded) with steel scales. It is heavy and awkward. I hate shaving with it, and the honing process did not go well. It was barely improved over its prior level of general dullness.

Not one to give up, I broke out an old blued Bresduck that I bought at the flea market last week. It was in remarkable condition when I started, but wouldn't cut warm butter. Much to my surprise, after following along with Lynn on the youtube video, I got this thing wicked sharp. I just shaved with it, and it is awesome.

I also refreshed a couple of other razors on the 16K, followed by my paddle strop with .5 diamond spray on felt. That was the ticket as well.

I know I have a long way to go, but I am really pleased with my results so far. I will need a mentor to determine what the deal is with the Thiers Issard. I hate that razor already, but I sure would like to know why I cannot get it sharp, or even get a reasonable shave out of it.

Well done, sir! :tu:

Congratulations! Those are some excellent videos. Send me the TI and I'll see if I can work some magic. I'm the guy that honed your Boker :)

Some of the Thiers Issards are tough blades to get right but once there right oh boy they are little gems. The first success honing is always a wonderful feeling congrats!

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Originally Posted by aircoder

Some of the Thiers Issards are tough blades to get right but once there right oh boy they are little gems. The first success honing is always a wonderful feeling congrats!

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I'd agree - I have three and they all have slightly smiling blades requiring a heel leading rolling stroke - or at least that's what works for me. I use tape so it took forever to get the bevel on one of them set on a 1K Shapton - I'd imagine resetting a bevel on the 4K would be a bit too much work. They are among my favorite razors to shave with and hone.

-john

rbaker2778,

The edges of the C135 steel TIs are very hard ca 61 - 63 Rockwell C IIRC. They need time to get dialed in correctly.

First off, establish if the bevel is set correctly; if not, this will take a bit longer time with the C135 steel.

After that, the honing is the same as for any other razor, saving that it might take a little longer.

The C135 TIs also respond very well to diamond sprays on hard felt.

Once dialed in, they are lovely shavers :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ