Thread: Can't get this razor sharp!

Originally Posted by Bill S

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but my observation is that sharpening that particular razor may be too ambitious a project for your first experience. And, no, I'm not suggesting that you send it out for pro honing. I think it would be better to set it aside and start over with another razor that doesn't have so many issues. That way you can apply all this great advice to a blade that will be a little easier to deal with.

This is exactly why many of us recommend learning to hone by touching up a razor first. This way you are fine tuning your shaving technique & learning to refine an edge that may have started to loose it's appeal. While you are learning to touch up a razor, you are not only building your confidence...you are learning proper pressure & getting used to putting the blade to the hone. Setting the bevel on a razor, especially one like you have that is butterknife sharp, is a very daunting & challenging task for someone starting out. Resetting a bevel is one thing, restoring a bevel is a whole other story that you should have a little experience in everyday honing before you take it on.

Think of it as washing, polishing & waxing your car (resetting a bevel & maintaining your edge) versus a total paintjob (restoring a blade). Both can be easily enough done if you have the knowledge & experience, but one is much easier to learn & less labor intensive than the other.

Just FYI, there are MANY honing mentors here on SRP. All you have to do is just ask, pick ONE & stick with them. If it isn't working out, tell them and find another. This (learning to hone) isn't something you will pick up overnight nor is it rocket science...just a learned skill. You can learn thru the mail system, but finding someone who you can work with Face-to-Face is best.

I'm with Bill, setting this razor aside for the time being (if it is yours) and start with another. ALWAYS use tape until you are proficient at honing a razor & have fun with it.

Originally Posted by brooksie967

Glen also makes mention to a 'swoop' at the end of the stroke and I find this extremely helpful to hit the toe of the blade/barbers' notch.

Yup, The Swoop rules!