So I got my GD W59 razor today and as expected the factory honing was as sharp as a wet melon. I watched a couple of videos on honing a smile so decided to try tuning it with a 12K stone first since I figured it would do the least damage while I figured out the technique. I found the rolling x pattern from heel to toe pretty easy to pick up and after a little while I actually was able to pass a few tests such as the thumb nail and tomato cut. There were a few duller areas that I was able to bring up pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, the blade just wasn't sharp enough to be dealing with the 12K level so it looks pretty good but still is just not there yet. I'm grabbing a 5K and 8K stone tomorrow and I'll try working up from there.
Unfortunately, the blade just wasn't sharp enough to be dealing with the 12K level so it looks pretty good but still is just not there yet. I'm grabbing a 5K and 8K stone tomorrow and I'll try working up from there.