I am really struggling with this honing bit.

I am using a norton 4/8K with a 12k chinese as a finish hone.

I set the bevel (when needed) on 1k sandpaper.

I've tried the pyramid and just completely excessive laps on the 4k, 8k, and 12k.

Still, my edges come out just so-so. I can shave with them, sure. But the real shaving seems to go on ATG with some removal on the WTG pass. Sure, it shaves .. with some tugging and some razor burn. My edges do not pass any sort of hair test, unless I place the blade on the skin and actually shave the arm/leg hair.


I know this is not an ordinary knife, but I've sharpened many knives before ( and shaved with them) and never had to put on 1/4 of the laps I am using on a medicore honed razor.

I know I am probably not the only one on this site with this problem. Heck, I've watched other members sell their gear over this very issue.

I know it takes a while to learn how to get a good edge ... but this isn't rocket science either. Good, light pressure for me means many more laps with out any sort of result to show for it along with wear to the blade.


How many blades have others destroyed before they got their edges to be 'one pass shave ready'?

I'm on about 7 and counting.


I've gone so far as to check to see if the edge is actually touching the stone... haha.

Everything seems to be working fine except the edge doesnt get sharp.

I feel like I am wasting my time sitting in front of these stones for 45 minutes per blade and not developing an edge I can shave with.


Actually, after 45 minutes, I usually stop honing the blade because I know I am wearing the blade excessively and not because of the edge being keen.

After these sessions, the edge(s) do not show any signs of overhoning whatsoever.

It is as if my mere touch of the razor dulls it.


Then, when I go and finally get an edge I can shave with, it lasts about 5-7 shaves before it becomes completely unusable.

Seriously ... WTF?


I do like shaving with the razor. I actually enjoy it when the blade is sharp. Spending hours just watching my razor become worn away isnt my idea of fun.

< / rant>