First Attempt=Not Good

Well, I called every barber shop in the area asking for a honemeister and a couple of lessons, but no one knows how to hone. So, I tried myself after watching Lynn's video a few times. I think it was sharp for a knife, but not for a razor. I might have even over-honed, so I back-honed last night (2 strokes) and re-honed. It was sharper today, but not enough--my cheeks were fine, but it pulled a lot on the lip and chin. Now, I am afraid to go at it again and damage the blade, so I am sending it off to a forum member to be professionally honed.

However, I have a question. It seemed to my beginner eyes that the razor from the mid-point to the heel seemed much sharper than towards the toe. The blade looked level/flat to me while honing last night. Could I have missed something, or is this a sign of too much/too little pressure, or what? What say all of you?

I will have a while until I need to hone after getting my razor back from Chris--as long as my stroppingn is acceptable--but I will need better technique in the future.

Stephen, one way I check the edge at the start is by applying black 'magic marker' to the edge and doing a couple of strokes flat on the hone. If the marker is uniformly removed I know that stroke will work. If some is removed and some is not then I have to go to something like a 'rolling x'.

Getting the heel area sharper than the point may be an issue of pressure or it may be due to the initial condition of the edge, your stroke. It may not be a fault at all but just that portion needs a bit more. There are a lot of variables. At least that is my take on it.

What kind of razor what it? New? Amount of prior honing or use?

I would normally not use a 45 degree angle approach or even an rolling X on a razor that was not a wedge or smiley or one that had been really honed down and flattened unevenly on both sides.

Developing even pressure on your strokes when honing is really essential and just takes some practice.

Thanks,

Lynn

Thanks for the replies. I think, since my razor is now in the mail, I will go to one of the many antiques store here and buy a practice blade. I can spend the next few months on that one while I strop my blade upon return.

Lynn, it is (was) a pre-honed Dovo 5/8 Silver Steel from classicshaving.com. I believe/know I botched my very first attempt at stropping. It is neat-looking razor and I do not want to go for a third attempt at honing and damage the blade. So, I am having a forum member hone it for me.

I am looking forward to shaving with my my fblade--upon its return--and practicing honing with one of the many blades for $10 here in the local shops.

Where do you sive in Arizone? Shoot me a pm and maybe we can get together. I would certainly be willing to show you how it is done and will do your honing for free.

Ray