Thread: Edge collapsing halfway through shave?

I am kind of a rookie at honing but have been able to hone a few razors to give nice smooth shaves. The funny thing is the only razors I have gotten to give comfortable shaves are some cheep gold dollar razors. I decided to try a couple vintage razors again. The one I shaved with was a Morley & Sons. I got the one honed up real nice and the first 1/3 of the shave a was nice then the edge went to crap quick. I couldn't even finish the shave without going to the gold dollar.

I have decided it could be one of two things. I over honed and created a wire edge which broke down or I might have to add some more tape to the spine to create a steeper angle on the edge.

What do you guys think would be your aproach to rehoninf this razor? I was thinking of going back to 4000 and going back to 8k and 12k.

That was supposed to say head collapsing but I don't know how to change it

Edge.... one of those days.

I hope this isn't one of those folks dollars are the best threads.

If it is a legitimate question I would say past some pics of the razor in question.
What size is it?
What are you using to hone it?
4K 8k 12k what?

Was the blade restored?
Maybe there was heat damage to it and it won't hold an edge?

This is not one of those.

I just started honing with a couple gold dollars. I have been able to make them what I would say shave ready but have been having a hard time converting that knowledge/skill to other razors.

I will post pictures tonight. I use a Norton 1k to set the bevel. Then 4/8 Norton combo and a Naniwa 12k

Might be technique. Like a VERY EXPERIENCED honer said:
Honing is easy until it's not.
(Or something close to that)

I would guess that the bevel wasn't completely set or you over honed on the 12k or the steel is bad. Look at the edge under magnification and see if it looks ragged, if so it is either over honed or the steel has deteriorated and needs to be brought down to clean steel. Any vintage German, Swedish, British or American razor in good shape should be as good or better than a Gold Dollar

I will look at the edge when I get home as well. I was in a hurry leaving the house this morning and didn't have time to check it out. The razor has not been restored and there is no pitting near the edge so I think the steel is good. I know it is me and my skills just trying to head the right direction.

Just out of curiosity how many passes would you normally do on the 12k stone?

I don't have a synthetic 12k but I've heard they are more aggressive than naturals, my guess would be under 30.