Thread: sharpening problem

ok i have one razor (well actually i have 4 but the other three have different shaped blades and dont have this problem)
and im having trouble sharpening the very front of the blade where it curves away slightly the rest of the blade is hht sharp but the tip is still dull i'm guessing it has something to do with the way the edge curves away as the other razor i have has the same shaped blade but doesnt have the big curve at the end and is sharp the full length
is there a different sharpening thechnique i need to use on the point or do i have to file the whole end down to make it flush again?

all help and advice most welcome and i've attached pics to help

Using the permanent marker test and using different strokes will tell you wich stroke works on the entire edge of the razor.
Strokes for honing a razor - Straight Razor Place Library

Hey Sack, Those are nice looking razors. I'm hoping your join date is not when you started honing. 'Would be sad to see nice vintage iron used to make early learning mistakes on. Enough on that

You might want to search some of Glen's (gssixgun) threads about 'half moon', 'swooping' strokes. It is well suited for the blades that curve up at the tip. There will likely be some lower grit work to make the area the curve begins - mate up w/ the point so a continuous arc gets all the way to the point. I think you'll find the research time well rewarded. You'll find this stroke works well on the lovely tip on the William's SRD special.

This may not be the best link for it, but the idea will be

here

If you'd like a hand with them, pm me.

thanks thats improved it no end not quite hht sharp but getting there thanks for the help

no no i've been straight shaving for a few months but i've had knives and other pointy things before so i'm not a total rookie to honing straight razors are just that little bit more tricky its just that damned curved but at the end the rest is such a smooth shave but doing under the nose with that blunt edge ouch!!

I think a half moon as mentioned or a rolling stroke is the trick. I use a rolling stroke on a lot of my blades because I like the heel and toe to be perfectly honed.

john