Thread: Making the edge sharp again

I'm prob over 20 shaves now and really enyoy shaving. My only problem is one of my razors is starting to pull and I break out some when using. It only has probably around 10 shaves and I'm sure it's from my stropping. If I get a 1200 grit stone, will that bring back the edge as sharp as I received it?

If you meant 12000 grit perhaps. You are probably further ahead with a pasted bench strop though. You could also send it out for a touch up. If you can find a senior member near you it is a good spot to go for learning a little of that and perhaps get a little hands on time.

I think most of us had the same issue starting out, maintaining a shave ready edge.

Once most get to the 100 shave mark they seem to be able to maintain a shave ready edge for some time.

But it takes time to master, I've been at it for 3 1/2 years and I am still learning how small changes in tension and pattern have a different effect on different razors.
Stropping can be Bad (damage the edge in a moment) Meh (no harm, but no improvement) and Good (able to maintain an edge for 30-90++ shaves with just linen and leather.

If you can find a meet or a mentor it might save you some time, especially if you are interested in edge upkeep with a hone.

I think you are referencing the 12000 Grit or 12K hone, a 1200 would be a bevel setter.
And yes, with a 12K Naniwa or similar quality synthetic hone you can maintain a razor (that is not damaged) "for ever".
A good Barbers hone will also do the same.
And there is pastes and sprays oh my...down the rabbit hole we go.

If your razor was honed with a tapped spine you will need to tape the spine when you touch up. (ask, any reliable vendor will be glad to tell you how the razor was honed)

You will also need a way to lap/maintain the hone...please see the fantastic honing threads and sticky's

It is frustrating until its not, then it becomes rewarding, challenging and fun.

Good luck and smooth shaving..

Sorry, I ment 12000 . I'm sure it's going to take me a while to get the stropping down right. I figured if I get a 12000 stone or barbers hone I can try to keep it shave ready and if worse comes to worse send it out for touch up.

In theory with a chromium oxide pasted strop, a barbers hone, a fine finish hone or a 12K synthetic you could go for years without getting it honed, as long as it did not get dinged or injured. The cheapest of those is likely the strop, followed by the barbers hone, then the synthetic and finally the natural.

If you only got 20 shaves before it started to tug, I would send it out to one of the excellent members here and have them check the bevel. Then hone it. If done by someone experienced, you should get considerably more shaves by just stropping. If you don't strop correctly that can dull the blade very fast. I use a modular strop and it is flat with different interchangeable pads. SRD has the one I use. I also use a Shapton 12k stone for touchups. 5 to 7 very light laps and stropping and your all set. I also suggest viewing the videos at SRD for the right way to hone and refresh a razor.

As has been said a 12k hone or barber hone or a pasted strop will be able to maintain a shave ready edge.

However for new guys I highly suggest starting with a pasted strop. As it is the least expensive option and more importantly it is using a skill that you have already started to develop. Stropping!

Honing strokes are really a whole new ball game and take time to develop. It's best to buy a vintage razor cheaply and start honing on that when you are ready.

I will add that I am a big fan of paste overall and use them for much more then most guys.

It took time and much frustration learning to use my Naniwa hones. Well, I could use them effectively the very first time . . . to make the blade duller! Sharper? That took time.

In the meantime, a pasted paddle strop was good to touch up the edge, and that's what I still use mostly. You can do it while you watch tv.

A big +1 to the idea of getting an old practice razor to develop your honing technique. Having an expendable razor -- one you don't "have to get it right" for shaving tomorrow takes the urgency and frustration out of learning to hone.

Also, I don't know how you're doing your daily stropping, but don't underestimate this -- I do sometimes. For example, yesterday's shave left my face feeling like sandpaper. Especially under the chin. I thought sure it's time to get out my hones. But this morning, I was diligent about the stropping. 25 rounds on the linen side, 70 on the leather side. WOW! Nice shave today!

I have to say, though, you've all got me curious to compare the 12k Naniwa instead in these situations where I've been using the pasted strop.