Nicks When Shaving - Am I Honing Incorrectly?

Good evening all,

I have been shaving with a straight razor for a little over a year now and for a time I got to the point where I would not have any nicks or cuts when shaving.

I bought the 8000/12000 naniwa water stones awhile back and use them to sharpen my blades every few months.

Recently, I noticed that with one of my razors I get nicks when ever I shave with it. I have taken it to the stones twice and I am still getting nicks.

When I hold the blade so that the light runs down the edge, I notice that at certain points along the edge, the light it not uniform and it look like there is a dot at the edge of the blade. It is hard to explain but the light is not smooth all the way down the edge where these dots are.

Is there something I am doing wrong when I am honing the razor?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

You might just be honing too much! Overhoning causes micro-serrations and will grab and cut right quick. You should rely on stropping after the blade is shaving for a good, long while. No need in going to the hones till a pile of stropping is less effective.
If you have a strop with CroOx on it, give it 20 strokes. Strop on 40 laps linen and 100 laps leather. Try that!
Smooths the edge, breaks those nasty teeth off!

Swan, small add here. I didn't hear you say anything about magnification.

If you don't have any yet, I feel that it is pretty important in seeing what's going on with the edge. The more you see at each stage, the more confident you can be in your honing progress. And, see when things are going wrong and exactly what is wrong.


Regards,

Simon

Thank you for the tips guys.

I do not have any Cr0x, should I get some or just strop the blade on the linen/leather for awhile?

Also, what magnification do you recommend? I have a 25x and 10x loupe but I have problems using them.

I cannot bring the blade into focus and when I use them and I cannot see the edge where the marks are when I run light down the edge of the blade.

Thank you for your help.

Swan,

This may, or may not, be relevant but even if it isn't, it's worth a look. It's a good vid on what to look for on the edge. I came across it through gssixgun, Glen.

:gl:

Howard :)

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XZYFsOP...%3DXZYFsOP7rBc

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swan

Thank you for the tips guys.

I do not have any Cr0x, should I get some or just strop the blade on the linen/leather for awhile?

Also, what magnification do you recommend? I have a 25x and 10x loupe but I have problems using them.

I cannot bring the blade into focus and when I use them and I cannot see the edge where the marks are when I run light down the edge of the blade.

Thank you for your help.

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It cannot hurt to strop extensively and test to see if things are better. It has worked well for me in the past.

I don't have a lot to add other than...the reason some guys have trouble with a straight is inadequate prep of your beard. I have to really steam my beard with hot water and lather very liberally with a good quality shaving soap or cream. I also use a paddle strop with 1/2 diamond paste, 25 - 50 passes. Then a leather strop 25 - 50 passes. I use the diamond paste only when leather stropping isn't entirely doing the job. But the paddle strop and diamond paste will really sharpen things up without having to hone so much. My 2 cents.


Tom

Good afternoon all,

Based on what the video showed, it looks like I have a blunted edge. Since I have tried to hone it out twice now I think I might have to throw in the towl and send if off to be professionally honed.

I thought about getting a lower grit stone but I think I would do more harm then good.

Thank you all for your replies and information.