Thread: I need help from experienced razor sharpeners and maintainers

I need help from experienced razor sharpeners and maintainers.


I've read lots of people's techniques and came to the conclusion that there isn't one right way but many right ways and people do what they are comfortable with and/or are familiar with.

So, I combined what I read but have fallen a little short. Close but no cigar. I can sharpen but still need to follow up with my DE. I believe that I have my shaving technique down pat after 80+ shaves. I do well with a Shavette but feel more comfortable with a standard razor. So, I'm not ready to give up!

I have a Dovo Best Quality 6/8" razor. I have the following whetstones: Norton 4000/8000 and a Chinese 12000. I keep them flat with a Dia-sharp DMT-300 (325 grit (45 µ), 8”x3” diamond whetstone). I also have a leather strop and a pressed felt strop. One side of the felt is impregnated with 0.50 µ diamond spray, the other with 0.25 µ diamond spray.

To sharpen, I soak the whetstones for at least 30 minutes. I then rub each surface against the Dia-sharp until they feel flat. I use the pyramid with the 8000 and 4000 stones. I prefer circular honing to x-stroking. So, I start with 7 circles on each side and repeat three more times to simulate about 25 strokes, and then proceed down the pyramid.

I then do 7 circular strokes on each side with the 12000 stone and repeat two more times.

Finally, I do ten round trips on the 0.5 µ felt strop and ten round trips on the 0.25 µ felt strop. Then I do 40 round trips on the leather strop.

For maintenance, I use the felt and leather after every shave.

So, the question is, how can I improve on this to get a razor-sharp razor, shave after shave?

No Pro but I would say make SURE your bevel is set. MM test
Next do a grid pattern on your stones to make sure they are flat. Feeling for flattens is NOT an accurate way.
As for the diamond spray I have no idea because I don't use it. I have read not to use it after every shave though.

Welcome friend. Pastes will help refresh once in awhile but not for everyday use at all. It sounds like you are well on your way and have enough stuff to do it right. Practice is something you can't buy or rush through. Do you have a razor honed by a pro as a bench mark. Your shavette is a good indicator of how sharp your straight should be but they are 2 different animals. The technique of using them is different also. I would suggest dropping everything but the straight and concentrate on just that. While your at the stones don't be so concerned with counts other than to make sure your doing both sides the same amount. Watch the water ,use the sharpie, test as you go. A loupe can help you see what's going on and is almost a must when learning. Maybe buy some cheap razors to practice on. Dull,hone, rinse, repeat till you got it :<0)

Was the razor purchased shave ready?

I would suggest a pencil grid on the stones to assure that they are flat. Feeling flat is too subjective. Draw a pattern, like tic-tac-toe on the surface you want to lap, with a pencil. Lap under running water, and when the grid is gone it should be flat. Repeat to make sure if you want to.

Next, even Nortons only soak for 15 minutes. Naniwas, Shaptons, and Choseras are usually splash and go with most guys. What type stones are you using ?

Your honing routine is too little of a good thing IME. Circles are good for some honing, not so much for others. Try going slower with x strokes.

Go to the SRP library and check out these articles. For someone beginning honing a prescribed system, by the numbers, takes the guess work out of when to stop.

Honing - Alternative approaches - Straight Razor Place Library

Pyramid honing guide - Straight Razor Place Library

as noted above you seem to be on the right path but you can't count a bevel set, this is the key to everything all other hones only polish the bevel edges really
it could take 20 or 100 plus strokes on a 1k hone let alone a 4k

I started with a 4/8k also & it can take a lot longer to set the bevel if not right & all dependent on your technique & the amount of pressure used (to much is worse than not enough)

I generally start with circles also at about 20 to 40 each stone but always finish the stone with about 20 X strokes extra light

I go through to 12K then use Chrox & Ferrox only when honing before clean felt & leather
not after every shave

if the blade is not shaving right either the bevel is not set or you are killing the edge stropping especially on the pastes ??

JMHO

It might be best to get with an experienced honer. The below link will find members and mentors in your area.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

I bought it from CS and had them hone it. But that was 80+ shaves ago and the only SR I have.

So, I put in Virginia and it comes back with 92 members. How do I know which ones are close to me and which ones are experienced honers?

BTW, I do have a 30x/60x Jeweler's Loupe (got it from Sears online) but not sure I am properly reading what I am looking at. I'll read the links provided in the hopes of an aha moment.

I also suspect that I could use the 325 grit diamond plate to set a bevel if I need to a lot quicker than the 4000 will set it.