Thread: One-Sided Results

I've noticed a somewhat common theme; when I hone a razor myself, I normally get great results however, it seems that on occasion, one side of my razor shaves better than the other.

I understand there are a few factors here; it could be the razor, my stropping technique, my shaving technique with my "other" hand, etc. I just find that razors I haven't honed myself never have this issue so I'm assuming for now this is what is happening. Basically the end result is that I'm getting a much smoother shave one the right side of my face than the left.

Can anyone explain why this might happen? I originally thought it could be my placement of the tape but the more I think about it, it doesn't make sense but somehow I'm getting an uneven bevel.

I occasionally also have trouble with a single part of the blade but I feel like that is much more common (ie. the heel of the blade is sharp and the toe still won't pop hairs).

Thanks for an insight and advice. I may just be convincing myself this is an issue.

Since the edge is minutely small, and the difference from one side to the other at that edge is also minute, I would say it is technique. The blade tip is a very small wedge. The angle couldn't vary by probably less than a degree.

Uneven pressure at the bevel setting stage is the only thing I can think of off hand.
Could be the angle of attack or some thing in your holding of the razor at that stage??

Hope that makes some kind of sense?

tinkersd

I'm thinking maybe I unintentionally do less strokes on one side than the other or somehow use more pressure on one side? I'm going to actually revert backwards in my honing and try to use only the 1k on a few razors to see if that's the issue. Maybe I can get some more info once I do this

It's either uneven honing or pressure. usually if it's a pressure thing the bevel will start to become uneven at the point the pressure is being applied. if the edge looks good but doesn't shave equally well on both sides it's probably the way you are holding the razor or the strokes.

Im new and recently started honing myself and have had the same problem. I had been really concentrated on honing and had been using my self honed razors alot and not my new ones with mixed results. I went back to my new razors professionally honed and my results were not to far off. This told me that i have work to do on my technique. I was shaving with a different razor every day, now I am going to go back and shave with just one of my pro honed razors so I have some consistancy and a point of reference. I will wait to shave with razors I hone until I can tell if its more my technique than honing skills.

I've rarely taught a beginner to hone that didn't have trouble at first applying equal pressure on opposing strokes. They never notice that the slightest hand position error is enough to blow a bevel side.

Try changing the position of the stone. Rotate the stone.