And I think I dulled it.

Well, I believe I've done the same thing that many other first timers have done while stopping...I've dulled my blade. It doesn't seem to pass any of the sharpness tests.

Now what do I do?

Is re-honing the only way to recover? If so, is it necessary to go the full norton 4k/9k stone or will a barber's hone do the trick?

What are your thoughts?

Thanks.

Have you tried shaving with it? Sharpness tests will not tell you if the razor is pulling on your beard or gliding over it and not removing hair.

You might try some .5 diamond paste or Chromium Oxide (Green Paste) and see if that brings it back around. You might also try 5 strokes on the 8K side of your norton and see what happens.

Lynn

Welcome to the club, Paul. Been there, done that. I would bet at least 80% of the members did the same thing with their first razor. This is a learning experience and mistakes are made. I have great expectations of some doozies in my future.