Thread: Noob needs help!

I'm pretty new to straights as a whole, but I've not done much honing at all. So far my only attempt seems to have gone awry. On the advice of a more experienced user I tried touching up my Dovo INOX with a 12k finishing stone and it seems that I either dulled the edge, rolled the edge, or (hopefully not) messed up the bevel. I've tried stropping it sharp, and even tried a bit of green CrOx, all to no avail.

Ive got a full set of pastes (black, red, green, yellow, white), and a 8k/12k stone. What's the best way to get this razor back shaving? I'll attach a macro picture of the edge if that helps.

I've seen something similar. It was when I first started using a straight and when stropping I would drag on the edge with to much pressure. I would try lightening your pressure some and make sure razor stays on the strop. Same goes with honing. Keep the pressure low when finishing a razor. I found that if I use too much pressure when finishing it will create a very thin edge that will fold really easy. If stropping doesn't fix it might have to goe back to the stones. Hopefully its not to bad where it needs more work since you only have an 8k as your lowest stone.

Add a location to your ID so we can know where you are from. This way, folks may offer to fix it for you while you watch and learn. You will need a new bevel set. You did just fine, we all have messed up edges....if someone says they haven't I wouldn't believe them. If we can't find someone near you after you update your location...just send it to me and cover return postage. I will do this only if you agree to try again with your Naniwa 12K (it is a naniwa stone right?) once the edge deteriorates to a slight pull.

BTW, I don't use or promote pastes...some believe in them, but I do not.

Stropping well keeps the edge going. Unfortunately stropping poorly can cause some serious issues. A nice offer from Scott. There are members here from all over the place, help may be closer than you think. Honing has a lot of small nuances that can be tough to learn from videos. If you can get to a meet, or meet with an experienced member that is the best place of all to learn.

Scott has excellent advice. I bet you'll get a PM from an experienced member the day you put in a location. Add his offer to set your bevel...just shows the quality people that are on this site.

That's very generous of you Scott! TBH, I'm not sure if it's a Naniwa or not... the 8/12k is what I was told by the guy I got it from as part of a trade. It's an unmarked synth is all I know for certain, but having the chance to compare to some marked stones when I was in New Orleans last month it feels about right.