it won't get sharp

this is the first time this has happened to me with this razor. It's an extra hollow ground dovo prima klang and it won't get as sharp as i'd like it. I did the pyrimad starting from 25 all the way down. i did that several times. stropped after wards every time and the shave was still not good. i did a lot of circular stroke on the 4 k and that caused it to pull slightly more on the thumb nail test. but i did the pyramid after and it was dull again. i did a very agressive pyramid starting at 40 and that did nothing. im very lost right now. any insights or help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

If you think the edge is close, you can try a 1-3, 1-5 again on the 4/8 and see where it is. If better, maybe another 5-10 on the 8K. If you have a 12K or finisher, try adding 10 strokes on that, then strop and test again. The strokes should be with no more pressure than the weight of the blade. Very light.

Another alternative is to go back and 10 light X strokes on the 4K in increments of 10 strokes until the razor easily shaves arm hair. Then the 10 on the 8K and 10 on the 12K, strop and test.

Try tomorrow as it is sounding like you have done enough for today.

Have fun,

Lynn

You should not be doing the thumb nail test after the 1k. That test damages the bevel, and it takes a few light strokes on the 1k to correct that damage. So that right there could be the cause.

Aside from that, are you positive the bevel was properly set? I ask because it sounds like the lowest grit hone you are using is a 4k.

Lastly, what is your razor honing experience like? That is another major factor.

Just throwing this out there. Have you checked the bevel? Do you have a wire edge? Blunting? Uneven bevel on either side?

How was it shaving right before you brought it to the hones?

i think all of this is great advice and very speedy at that. my experience with honing is very amateur. however i have a very steady hand and a light touch and understand the principles behind it. I'm not sure how to set the bevel and have never had to or done it (on purpose). I dont have a 1 k stone and i heard thats what you need to set a bevel. all i have is a norton combo 4/8 k, japaense 12k, diamond paddle strop with 1 and .5 micron, and my regular unpasted strop. i tested the edge by running the blade on the pad of my thumb to see if it was dragging and it wasnt really at all. i think your advice is great lynn. if i hone any more with out results im going to turn the razor on my wrists

it was way sharper then it is now not too long ago. the bevel does not look completely even all the way across but its close. i've never been successful in making the bevel 100 percent even the whole way across