Too much? Too little? Or just impatient?
I've done some touch-ups on razors that have become a little dull but this is my first real attempt at honing a very dull razor. I bought a New England razor some time ago that wouldn't cut butter and today, I figured it's time to start working on it. Having read many times, the importance of setting the bevel first, I gave it about half an hour on a 1200 grit stone and then tried to pop some arm hairs. They bent over and sprang back up. Another fifteen minutes and I tried again. Same results. After a full hour of honing, my arm hairs are laughing at me. I thought I'd get some exper advice before ruining it. I don't think my technique is bad. Both the edge and the spine are flat on the stone. I'm using moderate pressure. I soaked the stone for about 20 minutes and add water when it stops pushing water in front of the blade. Is it possible that I've overhoned? Should I be using light to no pressure, as with stropping? Heavy pressure? Or do I simply need to keep on honing and be more patient? Any help would be appreciated.