New to honing need advice on my razor

**ryantzor** · 10-17-2012, 05:59 PM

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here are images of my razor, honed.

My razor will cut arm and leg hair when quite a bit of pressure is applied however my facial hair will not be cut by it. I have been using a 1000 grit wet stone to sharpen it as well as a leather strop. Any tips?

**Catrentshaving** · 10-17-2012, 06:51 PM

The part that worries me is the China stamp on the blade...what type of razor is it?
Also a 1k stone is for setting a bevel..but wont give you a comfortable shave.

**mjsorkin** · 10-17-2012, 07:21 PM

I'm not holding out much hope that that razor wil ever take a good edge. If its a modern Chinese made razor then I think you can be assured that it won't. Check the list, on this site, of razor brands to avoid. If your razor is on that list then don't attempt to shave with it

When you eventually get a good blade, it should cut arm hair effortlessly after honing on 1k. Then you need to follow with finer stones. Common wisdom is to shave after honing at least to 8k then stropping.

Maybe try getting a pro honed razor from a site sponsor or the classifieds?

Michael

**ryantzor** · 10-17-2012, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I'm not holding out much hope that that razor wil ever take a good edge. If its a modern Chinese made razor then I think you can be assured that it won't. Check the list, on this site, of razor brands to avoid. If your razor is on that list then don't attempt to shave with it

When you eventually get a good blade, it should cut arm hair effortlessly after honing on 1k. Then you need to follow with finer stones. Common wisdom is to shave after honing at least to 8k then stropping.

Maybe try getting a pro honed razor from a site sponsor or the classifieds?

Michael

Man this is a lot more expensive then I was willing to pay for

**Johnus** · 10-17-2012, 08:32 PM

It really doesn't have to be. People do start with shavettes. You're looking at ~25$ for a Parker Shavette and if you what the half blades, Derby's will cost you about 5$ for 100. (Brushless shave cream 5$). And you're shaving for a long time on 30$.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IGMcZjTWOw&sns=em

**Jimbo** · 10-17-2012, 08:33 PM

Well now don't give up on it yet - you don't know it is rubbish until it is properly tested. There is a non-zero probability that in fact it is not the world's greatest blade but that does not mean it will not take and hold an edge. I have honed some chinese steel that came out reasonably well after some small amount of remedial work - sure, not the greatest but for the price paid, not a total disaster either.

However, if this is your first go at honing I would humbly suggest you do not yet possess the requisite skill set to adequately test this. You would be well-advised to send that blade to a professional honer who will be able to assess it, hone it if possible, or advise you on other options if not.

James.

**ryantzor** · 10-17-2012, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Well now don't give up on it yet - you don't know it is rubbish until it is properly tested. There is a non-zero probability that in fact it is not the world's greatest blade but that does not mean it will not take and hold an edge. I have honed some chinese steel that came out reasonably well after some small amount of remedial work - sure, not the greatest but for the price paid, not a total disaster either.

However, if this is your first go at honing I would humbly suggest you do not yet possess the requisite skill set to adequately test this. You would be well-advised to send that blade to a professional honer who will be able to assess it, hone it if possible, or advise you on other options if not.

James.

Thanks for the encouragement. So you don't think with the strop and 1000 grit stone I can make my razor "Shave ready?"

**ryantzor** · 10-17-2012, 10:25 PM

I also did get a parker shavette and I loved it. I just wanted to see if I could do the real thing with a cheap blade

**tiddle** · 10-17-2012, 10:43 PM

At the 1k level it will shave, but it won't be the best you have ever had. Is the razor a gold dollar? I have seen a thread where someone took one and made it a descent shaver, not great, or good, but descent. It required removing a lot of steel, I say if you are dead set on shaving this one, find the thread PM him and see if he would work the blade for you. I would not suggest trying it yourself b/c one goof and it's officially a paperweight.

**ryantzor** · 10-17-2012, 10:47 PM

thanks man!

Thread: New to honing need advice on my razor

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