OK with being back to square 1

Hello all.
My brother bought me the Norton 4K/8K combination with flattening stone as a gift (awesome guy right?).
Spent some time with this wonderful gift and a $10 'no name' 7/8 eBay razor last night.
The razor was as dead as dead can be; under a 10x loop, no discernible bevel.
After a considerable amount of time, I had achieved an uneven bevel that could barely 'cut cheese' let alone arm hair.
I'm NOT discouraged and I'm fine with being sent back to square 1 in the shaving arena.
Heck, the fact that I could discern the uneven bevel was a prideful moment.

With a little work, a lot of practice, and a question or 10 answered here I'm certain I'll have this down in short order.

Thanks for providing a forum to share information and...well, let all you accomplished honers know that now more than ever I'm in awe of what you do.

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**UPDATE**
With rodb's comment in mind, I took the plunge and grabbed one of my own SRs.
I dulled the edge and then commenced to hone it.
It took time, but I was able to get an edge that I was able to shave off of.
So the principles are down, now it's a matter of improving the technique.
Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions.

About the eBay 'no-name': it's a 7/8 and feels MUCH less 'sturdy' (weighty...not sure how to describe it) than my other razors. I didn't want to fall into the trap of blaming all my problems on the razor...but it looks like it may have been the cause.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

...I'm certain I'll have this down in short order.

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No doubt you'll have something to shave with in a short time if you practice every day. There is a never ending array of razors and hones to play with so I don't think you could ever master everything. I've been at it almost every day for about 9 months now and I've pretty much got it down for most razors and my Shaptons - it's a long road but a rewarding one...

-john

with the 4K and a heavy ground razor it may take a very long time to get the bevel set. It can be done it is just time consuming. Stay on the 4K until you can cut arm hair the full length of the blade and it will be fine.

I agree with Rezdog, but if you have another stone at a lower grit it certainly will speed the process up.
I used a Smith tri-hone for a little while I happened to have when I got into this. Or maybe you could splurge on a Norton 1k combo
since your brother got you the 4/8

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trimmy72

...maybe you could splurge on a Norton 1k combo
since your brother got you the 4/8

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I totally agree that a 1K combo is in order regarding this particular razor....BUT if SWMBO sees one more shaving item enter our abode due to $$ leaving our account, well, let's just say that I'm glad this razor has no edge to speak of.:cen

For now, if it takes more time, it takes more time.
THNX

Went through this with my wife too, so I get it. Just have to explain in a years time you'll recoup your cost because you're not spending money on razor cartridges. which would be true if you stick with the straight.

Hopefully the $10 no name razor isn't from Pakistan, you'll wear out the Norton before you ever get one of those sharp.
I used one of these (and still do sometimes) as a bevel setter Smith Consumer Products Fine Bench Sharpener : Sharpeners The red one is 850 and the yellow is 320, they are around $30 depending where you can find them.

Colonel, just remember... if you start getting frustrated, put it down, walk away and come back when you're clear headed again. You'll get it... it just may take some time. :)

Use slurry if you aren't already. it's still going to be very slow but much faster than not using it.