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

Ok, I didn't know. Missed that one.

Thanks everyone. If you read my post carefully, you would see that I said that it was NOT the razor's fault. But getting back to my original post...do I have the proper sharpening tools? I know there are better water stones, but I don't want to purchase a Norton and learn to lap it and deal with the inconvenience as well as a Belgian Coticule or Chinese 12k as finishing stones. I can't afford a Shapton Glass or other expensive finishing options. I just figured that what I have is affordable with no maintenance to worry about. Since I am new to this forum, could someone direct me on how to send it in to Lynn. Thank you all for all of your input.

I use the three spydercos that you have exclusively and get very sharp edges on many different razors. However, I use many more strokes than you do. I don't see a distinct bevel on your blade which is easy to do with the medium but requires at least 20 round trips. The same number is true of the fine and uf. Your blade is sharp enough when you are getting effortless shaves. Taping is not necessary and will alter the geometry of your razor over repeated honing.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by RJ72

Thanks everyone. If you read my post carefully, you would see that I said that it was NOT the razor's fault. But getting back to my original post...do I have the proper sharpening tools? I know there are better water stones, but I don't want to purchase a Norton and learn to lap it and deal with the inconvenience as well as a Belgian Coticule or Chinese 12k as finishing stones. I can't afford a Shapton Glass or other expensive finishing options. I just figured that what I have is affordable with no maintenance to worry about. Since I am new to this forum, could someone direct me on how to send it in to Lynn. Thank you all for all of your input.

click this link it will take you strait to Lynn's add
Honing By Lynn, Founder of SRP - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Originally Posted by RJ72

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.

IMHO you didn't need to use the tape . If you're inexperienced honing straight razors , and you think you're using "light" pressure , you're most likely using too much .

I never saw this post until I did a search on a different topic, but I have the same blade and from the Photo in this post, the blade was not honed properly and looks very dull. It needs the help of a honemeister help to restore its edge and performance. For this blade, I had to use a double honing session to get it honed just right and it is one sweet shaver that likes to hold its edge for a long time. I recall honing it and it looking good, but the shave was a little too rough, so I rehoned it and it felt like a completely different shaver - what a difference!

Taking on this blade as a first to hone seems a bit challenging and its such a nice straight razor. Hopefully, it got honed and is performing well. If not, PM me and I will help.

Pabster