I'm super new at honing, and only recently (like in the past week or so) have I been able to get edges that are anywhere near the neighborhood of good (keen and comfortable). Still not great compared to the better edges I've shaved with, but definitely acceptable. Previously "ok" was about the best I could do. So there is improvement which is encouraging, but the longevity of the edge is nowhere near what I have gotten from razors honed by people that really know what they are doing. During August, I shaved every day with the same razor and I only started getting tugging the last day or two of the month. Edges I have honed myself last maybe two or three shaves before I get that same tugging. My stropping routine is the same, so I don't think that is the issue (but maybe?). I have heard mention of "over honing" and suspect that that is maybe what is going on: I've gotten the edge too thin and brittle and it's degrading rapidly. So my questions to this experienced crew:
- Any sure fire way to diagnose if over honing is actually the issue?
- If it's not that, what else could it be?
- Assuming it is over honing, any tips to avoid it going further? Is it just spend less time on the 8K and finishing stone?
- What do you do with an overhoned edge? Take it back the 8K? 4K? Joint it/kill the edge first?