Thread: Renewing the edge.

Originally Posted by F800GS

Hello all, if I may state what I think I learned while lurking and reading. A 4k/8k is a stone that restores an edge to your razor, then u need to use a hone which is a different type and grit like a 12k. Is this correct? Because I just ordered a shaving kit and have started shaving, finished the 3rd one today. it is awfully painful and it feels like the razor is ripping the hairs out of my face rather than cutting them off. I realize there is a learning curve and all, but wow. I have a 4k/8k stone, linen and leather strop. I think I need a hone in the 12 k level to get a much better shave. I will keep lurking and reading, but thanks in advance for the insight.

The 4K/8K combo hone can finish a razor. See the wiki for the
pyramid method. The pyramid method is as close to a "recipe"
for honing a razor as I have found.
See: Pyramid honing guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki
For many there is no need for a finer hone.

If you are on your third shave and it is "ripping" the hairs out
your razor is not shave ready and a 12K hone is not going to
solve (85% guess) your problem.

I would recommend you scan the WiKi for
hints on the use of the 4K/8K hone.

This video by Glenn might place your mind at rest
YouTube - ‪gssixgun Honing on a Norton 4-8‬‏
I would have you note how short the honing session
is and then note that there is no reason not
to do it three days running or more if your shave
test indicates. Your razor might be duller
than the one Glenn had.

For beginners there is a list of things that are
easy to learn but you still must learn them

Stropping, Lathering, Shaving, honing.

If you can afford it send your razor out to a professional.
That will accomplish a couple of things one of which
is to put a well sharpened edge in your hand to shave
with. Another is to set the bevel correctly so you can
refresh your razor with minimum effort in a month or three.
Do try the pyramid method a couple three time. If it does not get
you there send the razor out.

Stropping: can make or hurt the razor. Go slow, use a minimum
amount of pressure. Just drag the razor lightly across
the strop. Ignore what you see on the movies.

Lathering: Face prep and lathering is important. Take your
time (a full three min) and build the lather and prep your face.
The nice thing about lathering is that you can do it without shaving.
Take an hour and make a good lather, a bad lather, a wet lather
a dry lather.... just experiment.

Honing... You have all the tools you need. Use a light touch
and have at it. If the razor is dull as a butter knife as many
are it will take a while for it to sharpen up. Sending it out
can save a lot of time. But if you have time and no cash
keep after it.

Safety net.... you may need a good enough shave to go to
work on days when the razor is in the post getting honed or
on the bench not yet finished. The Yellow Handle BiC razors for sensitive
skin are an inexpensive backup. A DE razor or a
second shave ready razor works too. In my opinion shaving
lightly each day helps the skin stay conditioned. A BBS shave
is not required, just a good to go shave.

Originally Posted by JeffR

You shouldn't need to remove the amount of metal that would require a stone. Try stropping more with your linen/canvas strop first to see if that brings back your edge. Don't be shy about it; get in there and really strop that blade. The canvas strop is capable of substituting for a finishing hone.

My razor appeared to be getting slightly dull. I have used it roughly 50 times since purchasing from SRD. It still shaved great, but appeared to be pulling ever so slightly. Anyway, tonight I stropped double the amount on the canvas strop (not sure if its what others refer to as canvas---it feels like fabric). I stropped the same amount as always on smooth leather strop (50 laps each). I then shaved tonight with the razor after stropping and the razor was shaving nicely and no tugging.

Thanks for the tip and hopefully I can continuing ducking honing for a little while longer.

Originally Posted by jehesq1

My razor appeared to be getting slightly dull. I have used it roughly 50 times since purchasing from SRD. It still shaved great, but appeared to be pulling ever so slightly. Anyway, tonight I stropped double the amount on the canvas strop (not sure if its what others refer to as canvas---it feels like fabric). I stropped the same amount as always on smooth leather strop (50 laps each). I then shaved tonight with the razor after stropping and the razor was shaving nicely and no tugging.

Thanks for the tip and hopefully I can continuing ducking honing for a little while longer.

I don't know where you are in NJ, but if your north, I have a 12K you can borrow.