A couple of months ago I read where a feller said he used ChroOX and IronOx *everytime* before he shaved, and then did the normal 30 linen and 60 leather. So, I thought I would give it a try. The last few months I’ve been using Chromium Oxide .3 and Iron Oxide .1, both on balsa, and about 15 laps on both,, and then doing about 30 laps on linen, and 60 or so laps on leather. I’ve been doing this on a ⅝ths Geo. Wostenholm full hollow razor that I had honed myself, and actually did a pretty good job on honing, at least I feel ;-). So far it’s worked out great. I get really nice, close shaves using this method. No pulling or tugging, and nice and comfortable. Last night I tried the same thing (15 laps on CroOx and IronOx) on a razor that had been honed by a pro, and ended up finding out what people are talking about when they say they got a ‘Harsh’ shave. Ouch! A nice close shave, but my face felt raw as heck when I was done.

So, I'm wondering why I got such a harsh shave with this other razor? Also, is there a ‘down side’ to doing these laps on CroOx and IronOx rather than waiting till I start feeling it start to pull and tugg? Is it too much of a good thing? If anybody has any ideas, maybe you could share with me. Meanwhile, I guess I'll keep doing it to my Wostenholm until I hear otherwise from someone.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.