Thread: My razors won't get sharp...

I would compare looking at the edge through at least 10X magnification to looking out the windshield while you're driving. If you don't do it, you can't tell where you are and plan where you want to go. I don't trust my honing to tests or to feel. I have to see what I've got and that tells me what to do about it. If you get to the point where your bevel and edge look good under 10X, it's hard to go wrong. It can still be done, of course, but it's more difficult.

Are you wanting to shave with it or do cheap parlor tricks? If you wish to shave with it I would go from the 8k to a 12k and strop the bejesus out of it, 100 laps each linen then leather and go shave. You can get a good edge from the Norton 8k, but that takes a little experience.