Thread: Norton troubles

Agree with recommendations given.

Picture of the razor would definitely be nice to have a basis for wear and condition.

First time honing ever and you expected???? Frustration is your enemy when learning to hone. Learning to hone is the key. The pressures will come, but keeping the razor flat on the stone and bevel setting before going any further will net you the most success.

Have fun.

Thanks for the welcome and suggestions.

Unfortunately, I only have Norton 4/8 and DMT 325 at the moment but I'm willing to sit there and hone as long as needed so long as I get some feedback from the razor that I'm on the right path. Thing is, I keep honing and honing and once it reaches a certain sharpness, it won't go further. The edge is sharp enough that it will cut hair at the base with lather; that's the best I can describe it. I don't know what else to try as I've tried varying degrees of pressure, followed water displacement to make sure nothing is slipping under the blade, and twisted blade towards the edge.

I'll get some pictures of the razor when I can. I'm new to honing so I'm not sure what to look for. The blade is from Larry at whipped dog. It came sharp and aside from slight aesthetic imperfections (bit of rust, etc.), I see nothing wrong with it. It does appear as it has some hone wear on the sides of the spine but I see no unusual defects. I specifically got this razor to practice honing. It's a bit discouraging to have to spend so much time researching and investing in equipment only to have such difficulties. However, I'm persistent and willing to put in work to get the technique right.

I'll study some more videos and look over the janorton thread again. Thanks again for help.

Here are the photos of the razor. Any help appreciated!

More photos

As suggested above do the meagic marker test, that will tell you what part of the edge is not contacting the stone if any. When you find out how the razor contacts the stone, you will have to proceed to fixing the spine if needed. When the spine is fixed the bevel will establish. I can see also you are well into the stabilizers of the razor that also can play a role in setting the bevel, makes the process slower.

I whole heartedly agree with the above advice, and also, the more time you spend try to get this razor in shape, the practice your getting with you honing technique, very good as it will make you a true honer with a little time.
Just like mastering a musical instrument, it comes down the practice, practice,practice!!
It's a fun hobby, welcome abord!!

tinkersd

The hone wear on the spine doesn't look that bad to me, but..... it's hard to make that determination based on the pics. Since you're that far into the stabilizer, there could be an issue with the geometry of the blade. If it were mine, I'd put a layer or two of tape on it and hone it that way and see what happens. There are razors out there, and I as well as many other have them, that just won't get sharp without a layer or two of tape.

I just tried the magic marker test. I coated the bevel with the sharpie and tried various strokes (recoating each time) to see where it wears off. It completely wears off in the 95% of the blade. The only places where it doesn't wear off is the heel and point. To hit the point, I have to do x strokes. To get heel, I have to put my finger on it when honing.

I'm really stumped. I have been at it for the last 2 hours and the blade is showing no progress. I really don't know what to try next. Although I'm sure that it's most likely a matter of my technique, but is it possible that the blade is just... bad? I've looked over other threads and it seems I'm not the only one having trouble with it . Though, the other person having difficulties admits he's new, as well.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...rd-larkin.html