First shave with new Hart Series One Square tip

I have to say the presentation of this razor in the box is second to none! Talk about quality!

The razor was shave ready but not exactly where I like it. This is my first new razor in a long time and I am not used to taking care of the razor right out of the box. I gave it about 10 passes on a leather strop with diamond paste and then about 10 passes on linnen then about 45 on leather.

It shaved, but it wasn't as good as I hoped but the potential is there. My question is....what should my next step be? I have the 4K/8K norton to work with. I have the Hand American scary sharp system too, but I am out of really fine grit paper. You think I should go to a few passes on the 8K next, more passes with diamond paste? The edge is almost there and I don't wa:rock:nt to get too far away in the wrong direction.

Thanks for the replies!

-Ryan

If you are currently maintaining your own razors you should do the same thing to your new razor. If it makes you nervous do a bunch more on the diamond paste then strop as usual. If it still needs more add the 8k to the front of the mix. Still not there, either be more patient with the 8k or drop down to the 4k. Others may jump in and say you need a finisher hone after the 8k. That certainly will add to the edge but if you are comfortable working with your tools at hand I would say to add the finisher when it is in your budget and you want to experiment. By asking this question about honing your new Hart I would say that you are not ready for a finisher yet. Good luck!

To me when you say it's shave ready but not where you like it I take that to mean it needs a minor touchup type honing. I would be using a high grit hone like 12K and above though maybe some CrO might do the trick too. It's your razor so only you know exactly how it is now. Start high and if need be drop back.