Thread: Balsa wood with CrOx problems. I think I just dulled my blade.

Obviously I'm inexperienced in the field of honing, so I'm not terribly surprised. But I'm definitely frustrated.

I bought a new Dovo Best Quality straight razor. When it first arrived, it passed the arm hair test with no problems. After my first shave, I thought maybe it was still a little dull, since there was a lot of pulling and I got bad razor burn. So I gave it a few passes on a piece of balsa wood with CrOx. The blade is now even duller, and it doesn't pass the arm shaving test on the top 1/2 inch of the blade. S**t. Not sure how I could have actually dulled the blade. About three times, it dug ever so slightly into the balsa wood because I moved it a smidge in the wrong direction while flipping it at the end of my stroke, but I'm having trouble believing that was enough to dull it. I'm beginning to realize how much time it's going to take me to get good at this.

Is your balsa strop a home made one or a bought one? How much pressure did you use?

I have CrO balsa strop that I use on my Dovo and get really good results from, so I'm curious what is different.

Originally Posted by MisterSensitive

Obviously I'm inexperienced in the field of honing, so I'm not terribly surprised. But I'm definitely frustrated.

I bought a new Dovo Best Quality straight razor. When it first arrived, it passed the arm hair test with no problems. After my first shave, I thought maybe it was still a little dull, since there was a lot of pulling and I got bad razor burn. So I gave it a few passes on a piece of balsa wood with CrOx. The blade is now even duller, and it doesn't pass the arm shaving test on the top 1/2 inch of the blade. S**t. Not sure how I could have actually dulled the blade. About three times, it dug ever so slightly into the balsa wood because I moved it a smidge in the wrong direction while flipping it at the end of my stroke, but I'm having trouble believing that was enough to dull it. I'm beginning to realize how much time it's going to take me to get good at this.

That will definitely dull a razor! If the razor was sold new and shave-ready it likely was... as a beginner, you have to be ready to admit that the problem is likely not the razor but rather your inability to use it.

Get it sharpened, climb back on the horse, and eventually things will fall into place.

Originally Posted by MisterSensitive

About three times, it dug ever so slightly into the balsa wood because I moved it a smidge in the wrong direction while flipping it at the end of my stroke,

Once is all it takes. Back honing on balsa or flatbed leather. Never forward. That smidge in the wrong direction is like trying to shave the balsa and the abrasive is now working against the cutting edge. Since it is already dulled in places try four or five back honing round trips on the balsa with just the weight of the blade. You may be able to bring it back.

As Jimmy indicated, you may bring it back with the CrOx. If not, I'll be happy to rehone it for you gratis (you just cover shipping), if you like. I'm not a professional, but those who've tried my edges have been pleased...

I bought the balsa wood from The Superior Shave. I've been using very light pressure. I think my form was definitely off the first few times I used it... especially when it dug a little bit into the wood. I'm more than ready to admit my first shave was a matter of poor technique rather than the blade. In fact, I'm sure that's the problem. I did a few more passes on the CrOx and it is now shaving arm hair. However, it seems a little worse than before. I still don't have a strop (shipping is taking forever), so I'm not ready to give it a real shave test. I'll let you guys know what happens when I strop up and shave. Thanks for all the advice. And thanks especially go out to LegalBeagle for the rehoning offer

Originally Posted by MisterSensitive

I bought the balsa wood from The Superior Shave. I've been using very light pressure. I think my form was definitely off the first few times I used it... especially when it dug a little bit into the wood. I'm more than ready to admit my first shave was a matter of poor technique rather than the blade. In fact, I'm sure that's the problem. I did a few more passes on the CrOx and it is now shaving arm hair. However, it seems a little worse than before. I still don't have a strop (shipping is taking forever), so I'm not ready to give it a real shave test. I'll let you guys know what happens when I strop up and shave. Thanks for all the advice. And thanks especially go out to LegalBeagle for the rehoning offer

Good luck, Paul. If you decide you do need the rehoning, just shoot me a PM, and the offer will still be open...