Ready for Surgery! (New Edge)
So I inspected the edge of the Wapienica, haven't used it since I fixed the tip. I really can't complain about the Wapi having a troubled spot near the toe, I didn't even expect it to be shave-ready when I purchased it from the eBay (not eBetray, in this case) seller from Poland. I'd seen some threads on this board where members were lauding how wonderful the Wapis were and then a member bought a NOS one from eBay, like the other members, and discovered that it wasn't shave ready and the seller said he just didn't have the time to hone it. Seems almost like he was honing them to shave-ready just for kicks and not adjusting the price to reflect it. Anyway, I think I got mine for about sixteen dollars.. checked out a trendy modern barber shop (hair stylists, not barbers.. bleh) that offered straight razor shaves.. asked them how much it was: "Twenty dollars, sir. Would you like to schedule an appointment?" Thought about the eBay NOS Polish Wapienica coming in the mail for sixteen dollars, American: "No, thanks. Just wondering. Thank you.."
Re-inspected with the microscope today. Really only did a few conservative circles on each side on the dismally small part of the Spyderco Ultra-Fine hone that could be trusted, yesterday. Adjusted angles to get the most discerning reflective view. Yep, those synthetic sapphires sure cut that relatively soft Wapi metal fast! Did a few stropping motions across the length of the hone (spine first) and re-inspected the edge as an experiment to see if it had been micro-chipped. All clear. Stropped it lightly on the smooth side of the paddle strop. Hot towel, glycerin soap applied to part of neck. A few casual, light swipes "shhh shhh shhh shhh shhhhhhh" it whispered it's wisdom softly. Uhhh, can it shave? Well... DUH!!! Upward finger swipes reveal it's as smooth a shaver as the first day I used it so early in my str8 razor plunge.
I'm not going to smooth it out further on the .25 micron chromium oxide pasted paddle strop. I want to see what a brand new edge taken to exactly the same finishing hone of the Dovo 13/16ths will be like on my brand new tougher, conditioned, clearer skin. Now I'm going to go for consecutive shaves with the Wapienica and see if there is a resurgence of harshness and irritation. Of course, it being a 5/8th quarter hollow (wedge?) with the heavy stainless steel scales it will have a different feel, which may effect the results but I'll try to stay true to the original shave routine/formula.
Wish me luck, my brothers! After all the frustration and disappointments from this whole str8 razor shaving and honing exploration and skin problems I deserve a painless refreshed Polish blade.