Thread: Harsh edge

The Swaty may not have improved the 8k edge. That may especially be the case if you did too many strokes--like more than 10. How many did you do? Try dropping back down to the 8k and doing another 10 strokes on that. Then strop 10-20 strokes on linen and 50-100 on leather and test shave. Absent magnified observation, I would repeat that a couple times before dropping down to the 4k. Only when you have it shaving properly off of the 8k should you bother trying to improve the edge with the Swaty, which may or may not improve your 8k edge.

Are you using tape?

If the razor initially failed to cut properly, all you had to do was set the bevel. I really don't get this recent fad of dulling the edge before sharpening the edge. It's like breaking your leg as a first step for training for a marathon. Whether you dull the edge or not you ultimately have to end up with a properly set bevel.