Thread: My first honing attempts with photos

Little background. I purchased my first ever straight razor, a brand new 4/8 Thiers Issard, honed shave ready and I managed to shave with it perhaps 10 times before the edge degraded. Most probably due to my stropping.

Just last month I bought a USB microscope and Welsh slate "Dragon's Tongue" to learn to hone with.


^^^50x and 500x magnifications of the edge after my ten shaves and before any honing attempts.

For my first hone I tried the drmatt357 coticule method under running water. It seemed to improve the edge but not enough to shave with it.


^^^After my first hone. 500x magnification.

Tried another time but this time following the Lynn Abrams one stone method on youtube. Starting with heavier slurry and progressively diluting it. No change in edge. Saw more youtube videos and tried the Lynn Abrams one stone method third time and fourth time. Took again microscope photo and saw some changes that I'd like to hear experts opinion on.


^^^After fourth hone. 500x magnification.

Is the darker area between the red lines where I am removing material? Why is this uneven? Am I using too much pressure so the edge is flexing? Has the razor been honed with taped spine before and I should do that too?

I have another razor and Feather AC to shave with. I promised I will not buy more until I have learned the basics of honing.... and I am really desiring to purchase a nice Ralf Aust with dark wood scales.

In an attempt to avoid too much of trial, error and frustration, maybe someone could point me to the right direction in my studies.

Many thanks in advance!