Thread: Touch Up Question

Thanks hi_bud_gl! I'm not sure if I'll have time tonight, but within the next couple of days I'll give the 8k a shot, then see how it shaves. I'm sure I'll have some more questions after that


Ken

when you use 8k take pressure out too. just use weight of the blade. you will feel differences right away if not then you should go down to 4k or start to using a little pressure and make 10 more strokes . then make again 10 more strokes without pressure.
i usually never advice people to use pressure on 8k level . You can do so will not hurt .but remember your last strokes should be without pressure.
gl

Just did about 25 strokes on the 8k. I was very surprised by how smooth it was. I'll shave with it in the morning. My initial feeling is that it didn't do the trick. Water wasn't running up the blade, but I'm not sure if that is a sure sign to go by. We'll see how it goes in the morning.

Ken

Ok, the shave test was better than expected, but still not quite there it seems. I noticed a significant improvement over using just the Chinese hone. When I shaved, I moved the blade straight down (from sideburn to jawline), but held the razor at an angle (so that the heal was leading) and about a spine width, maybe a tad more, between my face and the spine. It cut most whiskers close to the skin, but left a few. On my xtg (which I do from ear to the corner of my mouth), the razor cut close to all the remaining whiskers (the few it missed I'll blame on user error). Similar results for my neck with the slightest bit of irritation (not visible, but I can feel it) and a small nick for good measure. I typically don't do an ATG pass because I'm just focusing on WTG and XTG and trying to get the best shave possible from those.

My understanding is that a shave ready razor shouldn't leave any stubble behind after a stroke (assuming the stroke is good).

Anyway, it looks like I have a bit more work to do. I am really enjoying all the practice and feeling the improvement, albeit slight. Thanks again for all your help.

Ken

Originally Posted by KenL

My understanding is that a shave ready razor shouldn't leave any stubble behind after a stroke (assuming the stroke is good).

Not necessarily. You want effective and comfortable. Whisker removal comes from the blade, technique, and prep; and they can all improve over time. Multiple passes may need to be done. Shorter strokes may work better as well. The long swiping strokes look cool by may not be the most effective approach.

Originally Posted by KenL

Ok, the shave test was better than expected, but still not quite there it seems. I noticed a significant improvement over using just the Chinese hone. When I shaved, I moved the blade straight down (from sideburn to jawline), but held the razor at an angle (so that the heal was leading) and about a spine width, maybe a tad more, between my face and the spine. It cut most whiskers close to the skin, but left a few. On my xtg (which I do from ear to the corner of my mouth), the razor cut close to all the remaining whiskers (the few it missed I'll blame on user error). Similar results for my neck with the slightest bit of irritation (not visible, but I can feel it) and a small nick for good measure. I typically don't do an ATG pass because I'm just focusing on WTG and XTG and trying to get the best shave possible from those.

My understanding is that a shave ready razor shouldn't leave any stubble behind after a stroke (assuming the stroke is good).

Anyway, it looks like I have a bit more work to do. I am really enjoying all the practice and feeling the improvement, albeit slight. Thanks again for all your help.

Ken

This is great just keep it going.there is always learning curve and you will do fine .gl

Good job Ken. Your learning that blades can reach a point where a finisher, like a 12k, or Barber hone cannot help anymore. It's hard for us to know exactly what your blade is like, even more difficult, when It's a new guy, too many variables. So, If the 12k doesn't work, drop down one...Still no joy, drop down another. You'll get to the point where you can test your blade with your thumb pad, and know where it stands....

Thanks for the encouraging words and advice! It does feel good to be getting somewhere, and I owe it to you all. Tell you what, after 100 stroke sessions with the Chinese hone, it sure was nice to only do 25 on the Norton! This weekend I'll try the 4k. I'm out of sandpaper, but I want to grab some more and lap it again just to be sure.

Utopian, you've mentioned that I shouldn't drop down to the 4k unless I've damaged the edge. Is the alternative doing more strokes on the 8k? Or is it implied that if the 8k doesn't bring it back after 25 strokes, I have damaged the edge whether I realize it or not? Just trying to get some different perspectives.

Thanks,

Ken

Just an update. Sunday I did a few strokes on the 4k, then 20ish on the 8k. I had a good feeling towards the end because, right before I stopped on the 8k, when the edge touched the hone, water would go up the blade with out me having to move it. So, off the 8k I did about 100 fabric and 100 leather on the strop and shaved this morning.

It was very nice. Always room for improvement, but it shaved away 2 days worth of whiskers with no trouble. I would say that my first pass today removed the same amount of whiskers as the two passes I did on Friday. Of course I still did an XTG pass, which improved things.

I can't wait to feel the difference after spending some time on the Chinese hone.

Again, thanks for all your help!


Ken

Originally Posted by KenL

Do you think there would be any benefit in shave testing after the 8k, then again after the chinese hone?

Absolutely! It's a wonderful idea. It's the best way to discover the C12K's capabilities.

Christopher