Thread: How bad is my blade?

It's not shave ready but can be made so and I'm sure sure that Glenn will get it there.

When you have the technique and a properly honed razor it's like having a whisker squeegee!

Just bear in mind that there is a learning curve here that includes stropping, lathering and all three passes to name a few. I would mention pre-shave routines but I think you have that one pretty much nailed; I'm actually surprised you couldn't just rub the hair off! Ha

This one was waiting for me when I got home from Colorado, as promised I am updating this thread

First step as agreed was a test shave, to be honest without looking at the edge under Magnification first I cleaned it then stropped it in 50/100 Illinois #827
Did a very low prep standard shave to test the edge itself, I do this pretty much the same so I can get a feel for the edge not the prep..
The edge in the most technical aspect of the term was "Shave Ready" or actually parts of it were, some sections of the edge shaved well, some shaved rather rough and the heel was just not there at all..
It has been said many times by myself and others that an experienced hand can shave a much worse edge then a new guy can, we know the angles to use on the razor, we know our faces, and we know the use of a scything stroke..

Now we come to the honing part.

Looking at the edge under a 30X well lit Loupe reveals 5 separate chips in the edge, all of which I would consider a fail in my opinion, I used a Chosera 1-5-10 set to pull the chips, re-set the bevel, and polish out the edge, I followed that with a Select Coticule for a smooth comfortable finish..

Here is the best shot I can manage of the edge now, note the complete, even, and distinct bevel from toe to heel..