Questions?? My 1st eBay razor from dull to shave ready?
I bought my first cheap eBay razor, which was a "West Point #7" made in Mereppenhagen, Germany. It is a 6/8 no frills round nose blade. The edge was pretty straight, but it wouldn't shave hair. After watching multitudes of videos and reading the threads on this forum (thanks to all) I set the bevel on a Naniwa 1K. Afterward, it would easily pass the TNT and shave hair at the base on the entire edge. I also checked for light reflections by looking down on the edge. It was apparent to me that the bevel was set even though it wasn't exactly straight from tip to heel, but I thought it may be close enough. Then I went to the 5K Naniwa; did 15 half-strokes on each side and 20 circles followed by 20 X strokes. Then I went to Lynn's pyramid scheme using the one he recommends for "Used but good edge" razors. This scheme starts with 15 strokes rather than 25. I followed this progression until the end on the 5K and 8K Naniwas. After completion, it wouldn't pop hairs midway. I then went back to the pyramid and started in the middle with 3/3; 1/3; 1/5 and it still wouldn't pop hairs. I did 7 passes on the 12K Naniwa and still no popping. I checked the bevel through a 60X hand microscope and the bevel was black on both sides.
I had been reading on the Cotiucle Academy that sometimes you can strop it and it will help. I stropped it 50/linen and 50/leather and it started popping hairs like crazy.
So...this is the first time I have tried to hone from a dull edge to shave ready and I just wanted to thank everyone for all the help. Now I can't wait to try it tomorrow.
Question #1: Why would it not pop hairs after the 8k?
Question #2: Did I do the right thing on the 5K initially by doing the half strokes and circles, etc.? I am still a little confused about mid-range strokes. I have read that the edge should be honed until the 1K grooves are gone. If you do that, wouldn't it be a lot more than I did. However, looking at the bevel now, I don't see them, so I am assuming the pyramid scheme removed them. Is this correct? Maybe someone could clarify a little. Thanks.