newbie that could you some pointers

Hi, my name is Paul I live in Aurora, Colorado. I have recently purchased a 5/8 dovo solinger. The advertisement on this razor said that it was pre-sharpened, I thought that this meant that it was shave ready. I was wrong to assume this, I found out the hard way that the razor was not shave ready. With that being said, I decided that I would try to sharpen the razor myself. Even though I have been able to get the razor sharper than the condition that I recieved it in, it still does not seem sharp enough. When I use it to shave the sides of my face it doesn't feel to bad. However, when I shave around my mustache and chin it feels like sandpaper and leaves redspots (razor burn). I am currently sharpening the razor on a 4k/8k norton water stone. I am using the pyramid technique that Lynn talked about in the wiki. I am able to get the blade sharp enough to reach a "level 2 to 3" on the hanging hair test. I am able to get the hair to cut in half when I hold the hair at least 1/2" away from the blade when I drop the hair onto the top of the blade, but i cannot get the hair to cut when I place it on top of the blade. It seems like no matter how many times I sharpen the blade or use a different technique during sharpening that I end up with the same result. I was wondering if you guys might have any suggestions for me to achieve the "next" level in sharpness. I know that many of you are saying that it takes months and years to master this art, but I would still like to try to see if I am able to get their. I have decided that if I am not able to get their by the end of the week that I am going to send the blade off to someone to hone. Your input and advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Welcome to SRP. Because a razor will not pass HHT at any level is not an indicator that it won't give a good shave. Shaving technique with a straight razor is as important as the keenness of the edge and takes some time and practice to learn. If you're having problems with the chin/mustache area don't feel like the lone ranger. :) These and some of the neck are usually the toughest whiskers to shave.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't send the razor out for honing if you think that it is necessary but when you get it back, whether it will pass HHT or not, you may find that the shave is still difficult in those areas. Skin stretching, blade angle and the direction of attack are all part of the equation of a smooth and close shave. Then there is preparation and lathering. As you continue to use a straight razor, if your experience is anything like mine, you'll find improvements in the shave will come with improvements in your technique for months and years as you continue with it.

Welcome to SRP. Good advice there from Jimmy. Depending on where you purchased the razor, it may or may not be shave ready. Always assume it is not. If I were just starting out, I think I'd have it honed professionally so I have a bench mark. That way you'll know it's good to go, and can then concentrate on your technique. A lot of people do have trouble with the moustache and chin area. I never had to deal with it because I wear a goatee. As Jimmy said, HHT is not a test written in stone. Shaving is always the "True" Test...I'm not sure what you paid for your new Dovo, but maybe pick up some old practice razors, "cheapies" off the classifieds, (if there are any) or try Ebay. You can also place a "WTB" (wanted to buy) add on the classifieds. I'd practice my honing technique on those.

If you want specific advice on your honing technique, you will have to be more specific about your equipment and technique.

Maybe you might want to read this :)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...eet-greet.html

See ya there????

I am currently using a 4k/8k norton water stone. I use two hands and pull the blade towards me, then turn over on the backside of the blade and push it away from me. I due notice that the blade wear seems to be even throughout the entire length of the blade; however, I do notice that on the spline of the blade on one side that the wear is slightly heavier in the middle of the blade than on the ends (this is the side that I pull towards me). I am not sure if this is technique related on due to the shape of the blade. Every five strokes I use a spray bottle to re-wet the stone on both the 4k and 8k sides. It feels like I am not putting any pressure on the blade at all, and the blade feels smooth throughout each stroke. I do feel some difference in roughness of the blade on the tip of my finger, but cannot tell if the blade is getting any sharper. The tip of my finger is pretty banged up at this point. I also notice that the surface tension pulls the water off of the blade when i set it on the stone, and the water on the stone pushes away from the blade. When the blade if moving on the stone all of the water stays in front of the blade. I am not sure if I should try putting more pressure on the blade or not. Also, should I focus more on 8k side only or keep using the pryramid technique. I essentially do 25 strokes on 4k, 25 on 8k, 20 on 4k, 20 on 8k, 15 on 4k, 15 on 8k, 10 on 4k, 10 on 8k, 5 on 4k, 5 on 8k, 3 on 4k, 3 on 8k, 1 on 4k, 3 on 8k, 1 on 4k, 5 on 8k.

will definitely be there.

Look forward to meeting you..

Will post a time soon