Thread: Help! I can't get it sharp.

Thanks guys. To answer some of your questions...I first tape the spine with 1 layer of electrical tape. I then use very light pressure using X pattern. No shifting of pressure at all. I did 10 strokes on the medium followed by 12 on fine then 12 on ultra fine. Then I stropped on the balsa with chromox 20 strokes and finished on leather without tape for 30. I guess I am over honing like one member mentioned.

. . . and the pictures were taken before honing?

Straights not as sharp as a Feather = TOTAL BS imho!

I shaved exclusively with Feather Platinums before switching to straights, heck I used to shave with Feather's using "the method" style of lathering too.

I have a few straights now that are definitely as sharp or sharper imho then a Feather, perhaps just way way smoother, and the shave I get with them is great.

Now a straight razors edge is much more delicate imho as well, meaning it takes much less to damage or dull a straight then a machined DE blade as well.

I say why did you immediately think it was the straight and not your technique I mean you stated you were using a shavette in the past and not a straight, so have you read the wiki and watched the strop videos to get an idea on proper technique.

Did I miss something here?

My advice, send it to Lynn or Glenn for honing, and see how you do after that.

David

AFDavis11...yes the pictures were after honing.

Sirshavesalot...Yes, I have watched every video there is including Mr. Lynn Abrams DVD. I am not assuming at all that it is the razors fault. I just figured that since classic shaving sent it to me twice not sharp, it was worth posting a thread. I'm sure they have professionals working on their razors. I would send it in a third time, but I wonder if third time is a charm.

Even if I sent it in, I really would like to be able to get it done with the tools that I have. I really appreciate all of your input so far. Thanks.

I just have to repeat what everyone told me when I thought my professionaly honed razor wasn't sharp: "It's your technique". And, lo and behold... they were right. Everyone of 'em!
I went from KAI SE blades to a straight and I still can't come close, wwaayyyy more comfy, but not as quite as close. But i now recognize that my razor was, and still is, WICKED sharp. Seems every newbie thinks the razor isn't sharp. Though it may, by now, not be. If you question the store that sold is ablilty,t' just try sending it to someone else.
And, from one noob to another, get a different blade to practice honing on, keep one as a benchmark.

BTW, that's a great hone set. The ultra fine is said to be the equivalent of 14k. Try your finishing passes with a few drops of dish-soap/water. This was suggested to me elsewhere, and I find it works really well.

Did you also strop the edge before shaving the second time Classic honed it?

I'd follow the suggestions already given. i.e. First method: trying to find someone locally to hone it in person on your equipment. Second method: send it out for sharpening and then shave with it without stropping; then see if the next shave is better (or equal) after you strop it.

Originally Posted by RJ72

I am not assuming at all that it is the razors fault. I just figured that since classic shaving sent it to me twice not sharp

These two statements contradict each other. If you say the razor is not sharp, then you are saying it is the razor's fault that you are not getting good shaves.

I don't know anything about Classic's honing (I've only had one razor pre-honed from them ever), but if you don't think they are honing your razor properly, all you can really do is send it to someone else. I second the suggestion above to send it to Lynn or Glen. They are two of the best honers out there (that I know of). I would caution you, however, not to be shocked if you get the razor back from them (or any other reputable honer) and find the results are the same.

I agree with everyone else, but would also add the razor appears poorly honed.

Not a very good picture, but the way I look at it; if the razor looks poorly honed to me from here, chances are it'll still look bad closer up.

Used optics yet?

The offer still stands to check out the razor. I assume you have several more razors to work on?

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

These two statements contradict each other. If you say the razor is not sharp, then you are saying it is the razor's fault that you are not getting good shaves.

I don't know anything about Classic's honing (I've only had one razor pre-honed from them ever), but if you don't think they are honing your razor properly, all you can really do is send it to someone else. I second the suggestion above to send it to Lynn or Glen. They are two of the best honers out there (that I know of). I would caution you, however, not to be shocked if you get the razor back from them (or any other reputable honer) and find the results are the same.

Isn't Lynn Still doing the honing for Classic? I know he used to, he would have o be the one to tell us though.

OP I hate to say it but it wasn't the razor. It was you. The thing was easily sharp enough to give you a really good comfortable shave. The problem is that a real straight is a completely different animal from a shavette and need different techniques. The angle must be more precise, the prep must be better, the hold must be firmer, the pressure on the skin must be less. In my mind a DE is like a tricycle, a shavette is like having training wheels and a real straight not only takes the training wheels off but in some ways jumps you right to a ten speed.

At this point I would send it out yet again to have the chain put back on and the tires pumped up to the correct pressure. Once you get it back it will be ready to go so you can start to develop all your skills in order to get a great shave. My real straights never slip right through the hair the way a shavette does but they all leave a perfectly smooth shave and are somehow well smoother on my face, less harsh, than my shavette.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Isn't Lynn Still doing the honing for Classic? I know he used to, he would have o be the one to tell us though.

Lynn did make an announcement somewhere on this site... I don't remember where, though. He is no longer honing for Classic.