Thread: The razor that just won't get sharp or operator that isn't that sharp

Originally Posted by overgripped

Are you pulling your hair taught or this sans any pressure?

No pressure. Just waving the edge through leg hair half height.

Originally Posted by Barry2

- - - I just want to make a comment on taping the spine. I think the spine is there not just as a backbone of the razor, but it has a practical purpose and that is to set and maintain the bevel when sharpening. That means that if you remove metal from the cutting edge then you must also remove metal from the spine. If they have not been done to equal effect, then you have changed the bevel angle. Therefore taping the spine is a no-no. As you sharpen, the thickness of the spine should also decrease over time. This is my own theory; if someone knows differently, then please advise.

Technically you are correct, but in practice it just isn't quite true like many things in this hobby as you are finding out it isn't really all science...
here is a thread with real measurements done on a real razor over time

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-theories.html

This also covers your thoughts on Stropping, you are basically over thinking it all, stropping is another YMMV part of the hobby.. There are people on here that think stropping on plain leather can convex an edge, and others that think it does absolutely nothing that can be seen, even under a SEM, but nobody doubts they can feel a difference

Here are some threads that might be of more help then just watching vids of Lynn or myself honing, we sometimes make it look too easy, much like me watching a woodworking Vid and then not being able to cut a straight corner

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...al-pics-3.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ideo-work.html

Those threads kinda follow one another, it also shows what Lynn was already mentioning that if at all possible try and get together with one of the Honing mentors in your area as you can learn soooooo much in a couple of hours with hands on help...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...php/Local_Help

Originally Posted by Lynn

You have been given some pretty good advice here specifically that setting the bevel is the key to successful honing. I also believe that finishing on higher grit hones with weight of the blade pressure is also key. I'm betting that if you practice with patience and keep the goal in mind without getting frustrated with the journey, you will have more success. Maybe not today, but in the long run. .

Yep. In other words, first sharpen it, then polish it. That's always been the way.