The shave with the TI was better today. I read Lynn's post (to someone, somewhere) recommending doing a couple of 1/3 to get the edge sharper. I did that about 5 times. I also stropped 20 laps on the canvas and 30 on the leather. Much better feel, almost no pull when shaving. This is what I imagined a str8 shave to feel like.

I also got 3 of my e-bay specials today. Lucky I had a 240/1000 Yoshikin hone, otherwise they would not be salvageable.

1. A write-off 5/8, but I practiced honing with it for about 2 hours. Its edge was pitted and developed holes as I honed it. Took over an hour on the 240 hone to get all but the last nick out of the blade.

2. The blade is a touch bigger than 6/8, nice & heavy. Again, had to use 240 hone to get 1/100" of the edge ground away due to pitting on the edge. Followed by 20-30 laps on 1000, then the 4k/8k pyramid. Now pops hairs heel to toe. Will try shaving with it tomorrow.

3. A 6/8, looks like it was never honed or used. Just some scratch marks on the tang from opening and closing. I guess it was looked at a lot. It too had micro pits along the edge. Did not look bad to the naked eye but the pitting was deep. Pits became holes as I honed and required about 60-80 laps on the 240 hone to get past (7/1000 ") the pitting. Followed by 20-30 laps on 1000, then the 4k/8k pyramid. Pops hairs but the blade feels more flimsy than the number 2 razor but will try it out tomorrow also.

Overall, I honed 2 razors in about 5 hours today and I am starting to feel more confident about honing. I must say the 50x scope after 10-20 laps is a must. It takes the guessing out of the process.