Self-honing razor technique

Has anyone else had their technique get worse first though? I don't really know what could have caused that.
It could have also been hone elves!

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Has anyone else had their technique get worse first though? I don't really know what could have caused that.
It could have also been hone elves!

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Yup. I've had my technique with both straights and DE's get worse, then better, then worse, then better...and on like that until it finally clicked (still working on the straights).

I dunno if that explains what happened with the razor, though...

Maybe the "Hone Fairy" sneaked into your house and honed your razor. LOL!!

Your razor healed itself. The edge of a razor should actually be viewed as a series of tiny little teeth. These teeth are pushed away from alignment when you shave producing a blade that feels like it is beginning to dull. However, after a period of a day or two they actually realign themselves and the blade feels like it sharpened itself because...it actually has!

Each shave pushes the teeth farther apart until eventually the blade is no longer able to properly realign itself. That is when a properly applied strop pushes the teeth back into alignment, and presto chango the blade is sharp again.

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Originally Posted by Bladerunner

Your razor healed itself. The edge of a razor should actually be viewed as a series of tiny little teeth. These teeth are pushed away from alignment when you shave producing a blade that feels like it is beginning to dull. However, after a period of a day or two they actually realign themselves and the blade feels like it sharpened itself because...it actually has!

Each shave pushes the teeth farther apart until eventually the blade is no longer able to properly realign itself. That is when a properly applied strop pushes the teeth back into alignment, and presto chango the blade is sharp again.

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I'm not sure I agree with this... Is it really true?
What forces are acting on the razor that cause this to happen?
I think Robert Williams has even shown (or at least explained why) that "teeth" on a razor are a bit of a fallacy.
I'll go see if I can find that particular thread.

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I started shaving with one razor despite having two. I have since acquired many great razors. As I acquired these razors I felt my original dulling so I set it aside. After I got a few ready I would send them off to be honed.
The other day I grabbed my old razor, just to see if it was really dull. It pulled and confirmed my suspicions. Set it aside for a little longer.
I just picked up this razor last night. Don't ask me why. It shaved just fine. Not omg, but not as dull as I remember.
Is it possible that my technique got worse before it got better?

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I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"
Did you strop the razor at some point ?

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"
Did you strop the razor at some point ?

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I was thinking either stropping or shaving technique. I do strop before each shave.

Well then, we can't thank the elves or the "resting theory " :)

I really want it to be elves they are fun to catch and they taste like candy!:)

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"

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This would be the best assumption.

Newbs shouldn't underestimate the power of stropping. If your razor seems dull try a good stropping session first before hitting the hones. With proper stropping technique you may be pleasantly surprised.