Thread: Dovo honing issues

I almost freaked out when I opened it up. She was so excited then saw the look on my face. I feel kinda bad for her, since it was her money and should could saved some sending it out to just about anyone else.

I am enormously grateful for this site and all the real professionals on here!

Update: For your sake and since I'm probably the 3rd most forgetful person without alzheimer's in the country....

Returned from the grocery store, made some dinner and back to work. Replaced tape (2 layers) and continued my work. Lapped my 5k, seems to me the heel and toe on problem side are depositing onto this stone like crazy during lunch session (eliminating variables, getting puckered about dishing). Checking edge with TPT and microscope ever 10 or so laps on 5k. Eventually, it almost felt like I wasn't improving the edge. Bevel is still not even on the one side, in fact it is probably .5 mm wide in the middle or smaller. The other side is absolutely friggen gorgeous. 5x loupe shows a nice straight edge. At this point, I'm talking to my razors and how it should be jealous of the even bevel, with her perfect proportions. So, I move up to the 8k. Happily honing away, alternating 45 degree heel leads (~10) then some circles (~10) and repeat a few times. Roll up to my 12k, just being gentle and smooth. Heel leads (5) then straight strokes (5) and repeat. Moved onto vermio, really liked the finish it gave on the Case razor. However, I think I could sharpen that Case on a pile of aggregate and it would still be smooth. I did some other razors with slurry that were waiting to finish up, got them down to water only and did the three on water. Shave tested my Dovo (Whole Face).

Conclusions:
1) Primarily, it was a fantastic success. The Dovo is an order of magnitude sharper than before. It could be sharper, but sharp enough for now and not too harsh. Harshness may have resulted from my tendency to shave faster as I go. Dunno why, it's involuntary for me to go fast in all things. Will work on other razors, get more comfortable and return once I'm better.

2) Shouldn't have save tested last night. My face is not very happy about not being bearded (past 4 years) and much less so on days of subsequent shaving. Particularly the jawline. Will do some stropping tonight and try again tomorrow or Friday. Don't shave Tues/Thurs since those are handball nights and I shower at the club, not risking unnecessary razor transits.

3) Based on how much I used the 5k, I rushed the 8k a touch and definitely the 12k. For some reason the 12k makes me uncomfortable and makes me just want to get through it. Will investigate to see if I have any substantial reason for this.

You could drop the 12K for now and concentrate on getting a nice smooth shave at the 8K level. If you are thinking about a razor holiday, keep your eye on the meets. They are a great place to learn. Most of them have a substantial amount of honing instruction going on at all levels. A few have concentrated on other aspects, but honing is a big one at most meets. You might want to consider upping the power of your loupe. Not that you need more power with a microscope near by, I'm just thinking a bit more power on your loupe would be more handy to use. Most of the edge on a razor comes from the lower grit hones. I really don't think too much about the overall shape of my bevel on the blade or shoulder of the bevel. That part is not involved in shaving. I use it to see the striations to help me decide when to move up, but ultimately it is the edge of the bevel that shaves. If it is a wonky shape on the shoulder that is purely aesthetics.

Great to hear you made improvements!!
Once you can hone a "problem" razor, the others will seem very easy

That's a good idea. Just do my own 5/8 Nanimarch? hahaha

I've been keeping my ear to the ground on the meets. The only problem is my schedule is up in the air from april-may at the nearest. I may have more time for a meet when I'm in Germany for training!

Razors don't look too bad. Still have many shaves to go.

I live in 49824 Laar, Germany. You're most welcome to visit us and bring your razors and hones.

That would be awesome, but I'll be 30 min south of Ulm

That's a few of hours by car. Fortunately there's no speed limit on many of Germany's motroways. Nice part of the country

It is gorgeous. Was able to see BMW museum, mercedes museum and Neuschwanstein. When I was driving to the BMW museum, I was passed by an F40 Ferrari like I was standing still... I was going ~230 kph! Of course, I arrived after Oktober Fest and too early for my favorite food, Sauerbraten...

Originally Posted by Uzi

That much spine wear from a single honing, I think would remove any claim to the title of "pro". I find that upsetting and it's not even my razor. Luckily, you have some actual experts here to help.

This I find quite interesting. Whole heartedly agree with you. It's unfortunate that some razors get honed that way. I'm glad the OP figured it out and got his razor going again.