Thread: Testing a razors sharpness.

A lighted loupe is a great way to see if your bevel is set completely across the blade. Also helps to identify any deformities or imperfections along the shaving edge.

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Well, I am going to go with what RezDog said. You did not say but I take it this is your first attempt at shaving with a straight razor which you attempted to hone without ever having honed a straight razor before. You could not get a better recipe for failure to launch.

This is what is recommended you do in our library section First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library .

Bob

So, have you looked at the edge with magnification?

Chances are either the bevel was not completely set or you used too much pressure when stropping and rolled the edge.

Both are common novice issues. Looking straight down on the edge will tell you. And as you found… hair test are unreliable.
As said, eliminate the razor as an issue, have it honed and learn to shave.

Or get some magnification and start over honing and use lite pressure when stropping.

A hands on mentor will cut your learning curve… dramatically.

No I have not. I ordered a loupe but it hasn't arrived yet. I am anxious to take a look at it. I'm sure it will reveal part of my issues.

Suggestion? Don't give up on the hobby. I will go out on a short limb and say many of us have been there before.

Originally Posted by OneFunMudder

No I have not. I ordered a loupe but it hasn't arrived yet. I am anxious to take a look at it. I'm sure it will reveal part of my issues.

Your best bet is to have one pro honed and when you get your loupe you can compare the two edges and more easily see what may not be right with the ones you honed. That will also give you a reference on how a shave ready razor feels to shave with.

Yea, Steel is right, I have been there before too.

Bob

One other chore all SR shavers should do is map the beard.
The way you think the hair grows is not necessarily correct.

Sketch a face and start rubbing. Use arrows to show the WTG direction.

Now you will know which way to pull. ie the opposite direction.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I would send one of those razors out to be professionally honed. That would give you a benchmark in both shaving and in honing. I was very stubborn when I began and suffered a great deal of razor burn as a result.