Thread: Have the equipment, not the results

Hey there SRP forum, thanks for having me. I'ts great to have fellow enthusiasts from which to glean knowledge. It makes the journey that much more enjoyable.

So I've invested in a pretty decent collection of stones over the years, but just can't seem to tweak out a truly smooth edge. I had purchased a $50 high carbon razor from vintage straight razor, and felt the need to regrind the bevels. I have essentially worked through the below grit progressions and strops, but I am having difficulty eliminating each previous stone's scratch patters, so when I finally get to the kangaroo strop, I have an edge that is polished but scratched as viewed under my loop. It pops arm hair, but pulls at facial hair and creates wicked burn. It cannot begin to accomplish the 'hanging hair test', which I understand in itself is not always the ultimate indicator. Anyway, it would appear that although I spent significant time on each stone, I'm not completely eliminating the scratches. I understand it could be a lack of technique as well; I've heard some suggest circular motions on lower grit to establish bevels followed by the standard back/forth edge leading strokes. Thanks again for any feedback.

So my lineup is as follows:
1. Nubatama Bamboo 150 grit
2. Chosera 400 grit
3. Amakusa (Japanese natural, approx 1K), I also have a King 1K.
4. Softer/muddy Jnat "finishing stone" approx 3K - 4K
5. Shobu San (approx 8K)
6. Ozuku (approx 10K - 15K)
7. Split hide strop w/green chromium oxide
8. Kangaroo strop w/CBN spray, 0.125 micron

Welcome to SRP. I haven't used any of the stones you've got so I can't comment on them. I don't worry about scratch patterns. I go by the sharpness of the razor as I work through progressions. Once the razor is 'right' it may have scratch patterns from previous grits, or it may not. Hope that doesn't confuse you but what I'm getting at is the thumb nail test for the bevel set and thumb pad as I'm sharpening/finishing are more indicative to me than what the scratch pattern looks like.

I appreciate it sir, I had not considered that philosophy/angle. I'll try focusing more on the resulting sharpness from each stone verses scratch pattern.

What brand of razor is it? If it is the one I'm thinking of, you'll never get it shave ready no matter what stones you use.

Is your razor a gb buckingham?

You know Theseus, I have started wondering the same thing. I was attempting to purchase my first straight razor without breaking the bank, but perhaps I should have done more research. here is the exact razor I purchased: Vintage Straight Razor | Carbon Razors | VintageStraightRazor.com

Originally Posted by forthosewhotoil76

You know Theseus, I have started wondering the same thing. I was attempting to purchase my first straight razor without breaking the bank, but perhaps I should have done more research. here is the exact razor I purchased: Vintage Straight Razor | Carbon Razors | VintageStraightRazor.com

Sorry to tell you, but you bought a letter opener. If you want a blade that won't break the bank, check out the SRP classifieds.

Originally Posted by forthosewhotoil76

Hey there SRP forum, thanks for having me. I'ts great to have fellow enthusiasts from which to glean knowledge. It makes the journey that much more enjoyable.

So I've invested in a pretty decent collection of stones over the years, but just can't seem to tweak out a truly smooth edge. I had purchased a $50 high carbon razor from vintage straight razor, and felt the need to regrind the bevels. I have essentially worked through the below grit progressions and strops, but I am having difficulty eliminating each previous stone's scratch patters, so when I finally get to the kangaroo strop, I have an edge that is polished but scratched as viewed under my loop. It pops arm hair, but pulls at facial hair and creates wicked burn. It cannot begin to accomplish the 'hanging hair test', which I understand in itself is not always the ultimate indicator. Anyway, it would appear that although I spent significant time on each stone, I'm not completely eliminating the scratches. I understand it could be a lack of technique as well; I've heard some suggest circular motions on lower grit to establish bevels followed by the standard back/forth edge leading strokes. Thanks again for any feedback.

So my lineup is as follows:
1. Nubatama Bamboo 150 grit
2. Chosera 400 grit
3. Amakusa (Japanese natural, approx 1K), I also have a King 1K.
4. Softer/muddy Jnat "finishing stone" approx 3K - 4K
5. Shobu San (approx 8K)
6. Ozuku (approx 10K - 15K)
7. Split hide strop w/green chromium oxide
8. Kangaroo strop w/CBN spray, 0.125 micron

With a well set bevel you should be able to shave at 8k.
Perhaps with your pasted CrOx strop to calm the edge.

As dense as Chosera hones are a very light touch with yours and strop with CrOx
might shave OK.

Mixing that many natural hones is a challenge.

Let the CBN adjust the draw of your Roo more than the sharpness of your edge.
My guess is the razor will not take an ultra fine edge but I do not know that brand.
It never hurts to hone first for soft steel and see what canvas and leather can draw from it.

good deal, thanks for the feedback gentlemen. I apparently failed to remember the golden rule that nothing can compensate for poor metallurgy, and of course, you get what you pay for.

So is it safe to say that any razors on the market place here on SRP will take a fine edge? In other words, is quality policed in the listings?