Thread: The razor is finally dull... I think

Guys,

I'm guessing this is the right place for this. I've been using my new Dovo Bismark for about three months now. It's my first.

It's started to tug and pull and not get as close as it used too. Also, I seem to be cutting myself a bit more lately. I've attributed the cuts to the razor being dull. This sound right to you?

I guess now it's just a matter of deciding if I want to spend $100 to sharpen it myself or send it off to have it professionally done...

Send it off to be honed from someone who knows and buy another one to practice honing

Exactly the right time to hone. Maybe a bit too long? But now you have some kind of baseline.

The investment is up to you. Lots of guys here who could tune it up real nice like too.

I opted to have mine honed to start then I've been doing it ever since.

Word of caution, HAD is serious stuff!

Originally Posted by mischievous

Word of caution, HAD is serious stuff!

He's not kidding there.

As for sharpening it yourself, you will probably spend more than $100, but the end results are worth it. There's nothing like a blade you honed, and know how to finesse yourself. Every honemeister does things just a little bit different, and although they will all give you back a sharp blade, there will often be subtle differences in the feel from one to the next.

Since your blade is still somewhat sharp, and just needs a touch up, you could probably get away with buying just a finishing or barber's hone, and keep it sharp with that. Remember there is a bit of a learning curve with honing, and as you expand your razor collection, you will need more hones to sharpen blades in various stages of dullness. I have over $400 in hones, and still want more. There are members here who have spent that much on one hone.

If you do decide to hone yourself, I would suggest occasionally sending a razor in to a honemeister to get a good comparison. It's a good way to measure your progress, and these guys are great about sharing information, and dolling out good advice.

The most important thing is to relax and have fun. If honing is going to be a chore that you aren't looking forward to, you aren't going to get the best edge. Send it out if that's the case.

^ All excellent advice.

Mike. Are you, were you or have you ever considered being married?.... $400 on hones

If you've got a wife that lets you get away with that.... I want her!

Please, no wives in B/S/T, I have enough problems.

Now is the time to get it honed.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Please, no wives in B/S/T, I have enough problems.

Now is the time to get it honed.

Too true brother, mine spends all my hone money!

Originally Posted by Yannis

Send it off to be honed from someone who knows and buy another one to practice honing

+ 1 This will give you a reference while you are learning.