Thread: GETTING FRUSTRATED

i would also recommend getting something to look at the bevel with under magnification. it made a world of difference for me.

i am still learning too but this is what works for me. as far as a progression goes i haven't really used the pyramid with any success though i am sure it is a very good way to go about it. i stick to the 1k until the bevel looks really nice, then hit the 4k until it is popping hairs with the HHT (i always use really light pressure from 4k on) and the 8k i still do the HHT and TPT but am usually pretty confident of the sharpness by then. when i realized that the edge should be popping hairs off the 4k it really made a difference for me. and light pressure, not no pressure since you still need control but light pressure. as far as counting goes i only do it so i know when to check the edge, i never remember the total as there is no set amount that is perfect for every razor.

this may be a stupid question but how well are your hones lapped?

A paddle strop pasted with CrOx will make you wonder why everything can’t be that simple.

I am not impressed with the DA razors. I doubt that they can ever give a "Wow!" shave. They do give a serviceable shave and are worth the money but of the 6 I have honed none has impressed me.


Just my $.02,

The stones are all newly lapped with the pencil grid technique.
I have a CrOx strop, Kahunamoose. It's great for a little touch up, but it might take a few thousand years to get a dull razor sharp with it.
I have a DA that kenrup sharpened for me, that has given me some of the best shaves I have gotten. It is possible that QZ is such that it is unfair to expect that ability from all of them.

Even if I can't get a "Wow" shave from it, I should at least be able to get it damned sharp. I know I am far from there.

I looked at the bevel under 10X last night (it's all I have, ordering 30X and 100X soon). Bevel did not look great. It is not the same on both sides of the razor. Even on each side, there is some variation.

Anyone within an hour or two of West Hartford CT that might be willnig to give a Newb some honing lessons? I'll pay in whatever way they wish, cash, beer, high end cigars, single malts, legal services, surgery? (Note, I am only licensed to practice law in CT, and am not licensed nor competent to perform surgery ANYWERE).

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Anyone within an hour or two of West Hartford CT that might be willnig to give a Newb some honing lessons? I'll pay in whatever way they wish, cash, beer, high end cigars, single malts, legal services, surgery? (Note, I am only licensed to practice law in CT, and am not licensed nor competent to perform surgery ANYWERE).

have you checked out Heavydutysg135's videos on youtube? they are pretty good. i haven't gotten Lynn's DVD yet but i hear it is amazing and everyone should have it. if there is someone who will teach you then go for it but if not there are lots of tutorials and videos to get things going. it is frustrating at first but once you get the feel for things (literally) it gets much easier. to be honest i wish i had someone around that could hone to compare my ways with, that would be great, but i don't even have people who use DEs around , let alone straights.

good luck

I'm about an hour but far from at the stage of giving lessons.... Howard over at the perfect edge is only an hour and a half from you though I'm unsure if he's willing to give lessons on site but he does have his new DVD.

That's right! Howard is in western Mass. The crazy thing is, I HAVE watched a number of the videos. Just not sure what I'm missing. I have been sharpening knioves for years, and am quite good at it. While I know that they are VERY different skills, I thought I should at least be able to pick it up quickly.

Thanks all. I'll be going home and trying some more....

Originally Posted by randydance062449

I am not impressed with the DA razors. I doubt that they can ever give a "Wow!" shave. They do give a serviceable shave and are worth the money but of the 6 I have honed none has impressed me.


Just my $.02,

A good intro razor for little money, but as Randy says it will never give superior performance.