New Beginner--Salinas, California

Hi all. I am about two months into the straight razor gig. I am using a Thiers Issard, which was shave ready out-of-the-box. The blade is now dull, as evidenced by the plucking action against my face/beard. I will use the tips on your site for honing, as well as Mr. Abrams CD...although I am nervous how much I damage my blade with each stroke. Any input beyond the site tips you have welcome. I am using the standard Norton 4K/8K, and have a 12K stone as well as green paste. I will start over using the Pyramid method recommended by Mr. Abrams, finish with the 12K stone, and then green paste on a balsa strop. Any inputs welcome.

I really don't ever want to go back to conventional again, even if it is a hundred-year-old safety razor.

d

Wellcome Homie,If you have not used the norton yet,may just try a touchup on the 12K,may be all you need at this point.

Welcome to SRP

Sounds like you just need a touch up on the 12k. Just one bad pass on a 4k can require a bevel reset.

Start gently on the 12k and take 6 to 20 round trips. Strop it well then do a shave test.

Jonathan

Do I hear an echo here?

welcome to SRP
THiers issard produce a good razor.
After the box the razor need some stroke on 12k. After a good stropping(first linnen and lether)
If it cut in not comfortable way you can repeat ,starting on 8k and then 12/strop.

The 12K stone I have is Chinese...quarried in Guangxi...I bought it from Vintage...do I need the Nagura (sp?) stone to make a slurry?

dave

No it is not necessary, but being able to raise a slurry helps speed up a phig. A 325 to 600 grit interrupted diamond hone is my preference since it does double duty as a diamond nagura and lapping plate. Brand matters less than if it is flat. The DMT or EzeLap brands small continuous plates are good budget options but a full size Atoma is better.

Have fun learning your hone.

Jonathan