Thread: GETTING FRUSTRATED

OK, so as some of you may remember using the 4K/8K/12k, using some pyramids, and some "feel", I had gotten a DOuble arrow sharp enough to give a decent shave. Not too bad. I was actually pretty proud of even that accomplishment Good enough that if the world as we know it ended, and all I had was this razor and these hones, I could shave as much as I needed to, or wanted to, and would likely be better shaved than everyone else once the Mach IIIs and canned goo ran out.
BUT---this razor isn't even what I would call "Shave ready" as that term is used around here. It takes armhair off pretty easily, but CLEARLY not "popping" it. It does not seem to even come close to the HHT.
Tonight I ran through 1K until it was shaving, though not smoothly, pretty decenly for armhair.
Then I did an aggressive pyramid. Maybe I should have started with 50 laps on 4K? 20 laps? That's only 5 more than the first step in the aggressive, if memory serves.
Then I did a full conservative. Now, like I said, i could shave with it, especially if I went into it with a little growth. But it is not "WOW" sharp. THe TPT shows improvement, but it still doesn't feel "Oh...that's what they mean" sharp.

Without seeing what I'm doing...anybody have any ideas?

Stop counting laps.

Stay on the 1k and/or 4k until the edge passes the marker test and TNT simultaneously. After that, 3 to 5 or more of the lightest possible laps you can manage. Then move up to the next finer grit.

When you get to the 8k, test using the TPT or HHT, no more TNT. After the 8k point your razor should feel very similar to a DE blade. Then very lightly on the 12k. If it's a Chinese 12k, use at least 80 laps (140 might be better). You should be able to notice a nice change after each step up in grit.

I'll try all that. Thanks Sticky.

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 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.

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.