Thread: Hi. I'm new to this

Nobody told me this would be an addiction.

I started shaving with a straight on a Saturday morning, taking my time and enjoying the experience. I now get up early and straight shave every day!

I've started collecting straights. Ive got a New Dovo but have collected a 1930's Sheffield made wedge that I have had re scaled in bone and professionally honed. Its as sharp and smooth as you can get. Ive also picked up a 1930's "Erma" made in Germany that I'm trying to get some history on.

I was given a "Army and Navy" 7/8 Hollowground beast that I love the look of. It was a little tatty so I refurbished it with white oak hand made scales. Nice. The problem is I can't seem to get it really sharp. Not in the league of the Erma or the Wedge.

I have 1000 and 3000 Japanese stones along with Welsh stone 8000/12000/18000. I got the Erma as sharp as the Wedge on these but no joy with the Beast no matter what Ive tried. Ive reset the bevel on the 1000 (bought for that purpose). Any tips/ideas?

Which razor is in the picture?

That is the Wedge.

This is the Army and Navy

Not sure what you mean by "really sharp",,, is there a difference in in sharpness along the edge from heel to toe?
Is the edge the same from heal to toe?
If you can, give us a photo of the problem razor.

This is the problem razor. When I say really sharp, what I mean is....The Wedge, top picture, is REALLY sharp. It shaves smoooooth, no tugging and gives a real good smooth, close shave. The Army and Navy, bottom picture, tugs and does not get close. I have to use the wedge in order to get a shave that I am happy with.

The edge, on the Army and Navy looks smooth under a jewellers magnifying glass and is even all along the edge on both sides.

That is a different looking spine on that Army, wish I could see a better picture of it,,, or it is the lighting in the photoo,,,,

I'll take a WAG (Wild A&& Guess) & say that the edge was not shave ready before it went to the finisher,,, maybe more time spent on your 3K before taking it to the 8K,,,,,

Remember a smooth looking edge does not always mean a shave ready edge.

Thanks Hirlau, I'll give it some 3k tonight

To reinforce what Hirlau is saying, the bevel is the foundation of your edge. Without it being a well developed apex it will never polish out to be a sharp and true edge. One of the much needed tools for honing is a good loupe somewhere in the 30x to 60x range.

,,,,,,,,,,yes

Forgive my ignorance, and it may be a translational thing, but what is a Loupe?