i decided to make my own straight razor but i don’t really know how to put on a razor edge or what would be the best metal to use. i thought a hack saw blade cut to the shape of a straight razor with a dremmel and than quenching it in water would be a good idea as because it is a very good metal for blades and the quenching to keep its temper but than i read an artical on midle eastern knifes saying that their blades though they arent crafted well are made of the best metal u can get. that metal being demascus steel. now im wondering if i should use demascus steel instead of carbon steel. and im also wondering where to get it. and despite choosing the best metal to use i don’t know how to put such an edge on a piece of un sharpened metal. i know its possible to do because i saw a bearded man sharpen a common house hold knife into a razor blade which he domonstraited its sharpness by shaving off his beard. he said that good knife sharpening consists of 99% skill and 1% equipment. right now im at 10% skill and 0% equipment. could somone tell me what equipment to use to achieve such an edge and where to get it as well as teach me how to sharpen the knife to achieve a razor edge. i know that learning such a skill takes a large deal practice and study to master the skill so i dont expect to learn anything major from yahoo answers so a book recomindation might help. it also would be of great help to know how to polish and preserve the blade. i dont have much money because i spent it on the hacksaw blade and dremmel cutting wheels which i might not even use for the blade so it would be of great help if we could keep the equipment costs low. however i do know the importance of knowledge so i wont mind spending alot of a good book on the subject. best wishes