That last bit of sharp...

I finally feel like I'm within striking distance of shave ready. I'm able to get the razor to shave, but it pulls quite a bit and doesn't get very close, even after several passes.

When I do the hanging hair test on a bristle from my boar hair shave brush, the edge either catches the hair, snags, and then cuts the hair cleanly (but it requires a bit of force to make it go) or it snags it and then splits it, cutting only partway through and then making it peel back.

What do I need to do to get that last bit of sharpness?

I'm using my Japanese 4/8k waterstones right now, holding them one at a time in my hand, and using the X-pattern. (The Norton is giving me problems. It seems like it's easier for me to control the pressure when I'm holding the stone.)

I'm doing pyramids and trying to use no pressure at all.

Also, when you're doing the hanging hair test, how fast should you move the hair? It seems like I have to pull it down with quite a bit of force to get it to cut cleanly.

What size stone are you holding? Holding a stone is the most unstable way of honing and usually leads to an uneven edge. I would recommend going back to the table or stable surface and giving it a 1-3 and 1-5 on the 4K/8K and then strop and test shave. The pulling indicates it is not there. Keep us posted.

Lynn

Try Lynn's suggestion for 2-3 times. If that does not work then try a conservative pyramid. Then repeat Lynn's suggestion. If you are still having difficulties let us know. You should notice an improvement.

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Originally Posted by joshearl

I'm doing pyramids and trying to use no pressure at all.

Also, when you're doing the hanging hair test, how fast should you move the hair? It seems like I have to pull it down with quite a bit of force to get it to cut cleanly.

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SLOW!!!! If you are moving any faster than a turtle you are going too fast!

I also use my Norton on the counter top while standing. I find that some very even pressure at the top of the pyramid is a good thing for establishing a foundation for the edge. If Lynn's suggestion doesn't work, you might want to try a medium sized pyramid (up to 10/5 or 15/5) with pressure till you get to the middle and then gradually wean that off to ultra light at the end.

As a side note ... The X motion will not work well for me. The edge of the stone just keeps getting in my way, so I lead with the heal straight down the hone and roll the contact with the stone up the edge from heel to tip throughout the stroke. Each honer seems to have to find his own touch. Keep at it, systematically removing or altering one thing at a time and testing your edge regularly (I use the Thumb & Hanging Hair and of course Shave Tests primarily) and you should get closer to discovering what works for you.

X

Also consider this: you said you are using a bristle from a shaving brush for the HHT. Those are probably thicker than your beard and would give more resistance. Try a hair from a brush, or just pluck one from your head.

Scott

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Originally Posted by honedright

Also consider this: you said you are using a bristle from a shaving brush for the HHT. Those are probably thicker than your beard and would give more resistance. Try a hair from a brush, or just pluck one from your head.

Scott

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I disagree if it cuts the bristle it will shave your beard fine.

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Originally Posted by RichZ

I disagree if it cuts the bristle it will shave your beard fine.

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Was refering to his results with the HHT. According to the original post, he was having trouble, or was unsatisfied with the results of, using the bristle from his brush.

Scott