- Messages
- 13
Since getting back into straight-razor shaving a few weeks ago after a break of a couple of years, I have touched up the edges on the three vintage Sheffields I previously used regularly. I did this with an old boxed Thuringian and pasted strops, with good results. Becoming more ambitious, I bought an Ohishi 3000/8000 whetstone and used it, plus the Thuringian and strops, to put an edge on three other razors which had not been in a shaveable condition. Again, after a bit of trial and error (and perhaps excessive hone wear - oops! I know better for the future), I had three more razors producing nice smooth shaves. But then I reached my limit. I have a Cadman's "Bengall" which I bought off eBay years ago. When I got it, I sent it off to be honed, but I never got a right shave from it. Somehow it just would not cut my beard properly. So this week I tried it on my hones, using the same procedure as with the others, but there was no improvement. Is it my shaving technique? Possibly, but I manage ok with the others and this is a similar hollow grind. Is it my honing and stropping technique? Could be, but again I managed ok with the others and, besides, I had the same problem after having the Bengall professionally honed. The only other thing I can think of is that the man who sold it to me had restored it. In fact he seemed to have polished it to within an inch of its life. Could it be that he allowed the blade to overheat and spoiled the temper? Whatever the problem, it is a pity as the Bengalls have such a good reputation and it is a good-looking razor too. Any suggestions most welcome.