Thread: Retouching a razor

I have a very tough beard and have been using a straight for about 8 years. I have acquired 6 razors over the years in my rotation, all purchased new and professionally pre-sharpened. Although my newer razors are generally super sharp, I have managed to keep my older razors respectably keen and able to shave comfortably simply by performing a monthly touch up on my barber hone with some lather. I will use my norton 4k/8k only when I may have accidentally damaged an edge or if the razor needs a sharper bevel. I find that as my shaving and stropping technique has improved over the years the less I need to use my stones.

Thank you Badgister.
I am afraind I wiil not be able to avoid buying a barbers' hone for long any more. Many members here consider it a good solution.

I normally recommend that when a razor starts pulling to try 4-7 strokes on chromium oxide (not the Dovo green as I have not found this paste to be very good in my use) or .5 diamond. Then do a regular stropping and most times the razor should come back to performing well. When this doesn't work, then I would try 4-7 strokes on the finishing stone of your choice followed by the chromium oxide or paste. You can also try 4-7 strokes on the Norton 8K. You can also try a 1-3, 1-5 little pyramid on the Norton 4K/8K before actually having to go back to a full honing starting at the 4K.

Have fun.

Thank you Lynn!
Maybe I should try also this chromium oxide.
I never did because I didn't like the result of the dovo green paste.

But since you say that they perform different, I should try it.

The key to using it is to just apply enough on whatever surface you are using to see the color green. You don't want to cake it on.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by Slur

Thank you Lynn!
Maybe I should try also this chromium oxide.
I never did because I didn't like the result of the dovo green paste.

But since you say that they perform different, I should try it.