Good technique with an OK edge or just still wet behind the ears? Not sure

I have a suspicion that I'm just getting better at shaving with an OK edge. I get a fantastic shave on everything above my jaw line and chin. Not that my neck area is lousy but I have weird growth pattern that I haven't quite nailed down, but I'm good with it for now. My concern is that I'm just getting good with what I have and if there are things I should be cautious of when I get one of my razors honed by a honemeister. I don't want to go about using the same technique which has gotten me great results with a razor I've been honing myself, if its going to end up starting me all over again. Or maybe my honing skills are better than I give myself credit for. Like I said when I finally break down and send one out to a pro I'll have a basis for comparison. Thoughts are much appreciated.

I would say send a razor out, you'll probably be surprised at how much easier and cleaner the shave is in my opinion.

Also, no offense intended, but there's a distinct difference between those that hone, and those that hone properly.

I plan on it. My intention was mostly to put it out there to see if anyone would share a similar experience. I'm not remotely unsatisfied with my results. In fact if I hadn't made a significant leap in how good I had honed it I would have given up this February. Not to say that I thought I had nailed it but I had gotten a result that said to me, "Hey you know what this is something that is within reach". So I press on now with the intention of having a blade which I can compare mine to. Now are there any honemeisters in the central Ohio area. It'd be nice to send one to someone I could potentially meet in person and get tips from?

If your razor was the issue the shave would be so-so or less all over. I'd guess you need to work on your technique in the problem areas. No matter how perfect the edge is, if you have a problem area figuring out how to tackle it is the key.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JazzWillie

I have a suspicion that I'm just getting better at shaving with an OK edge. I get a fantastic shave on everything above my jaw line and chin. Not that my neck area is lousy but I have weird growth pattern that I haven't quite nailed down, but I'm good with it for now. My concern is that I'm just getting good with what I have and if there are things I should be cautious of when I get one of my razors honed by a honemeister. I don't want to go about using the same technique which has gotten me great results with a razor I've been honing myself, if its going to end up starting me all over again. Or maybe my honing skills are better than I give myself credit for. Like I said when I finally break down and send one out to a pro I'll have a basis for comparison. Thoughts are much appreciated.

---

Nothing to worry about -- technique is technique, and whatever you're doing right with a less-than-ideally-honed blade will be completely transferable to a properly-honed blade; in fact, your shaves will be even better, due in no small part to the confidence level you've achieved, thus far. You can count on it, really. It's a great question, and ya done good by asking it.

Smooth shaving!