Thread: Convexed bevel, Good thing?

Yes.

Any stone will self-slurry, some softer stones more than others, that slurry is loose slurry rolling on the stone, add to that the swarf.

But technique can make a flatter bevel even on a soft stone. For example, too much pressure on a wide hollow ground razor can lift the edge off the stone, as can honing stroke, Rolling X vs straight stroke.

Compare the stria pattern of a bevel set with lapping film, Lapping film does not produce loose grit and the bevels are flatter and stria much more uniform.

A micro convex bevel is a good thing, A Scandi ground knife is a stronger edge than a secondary bevel grind.

Dagnabbit, I asked for a yes or no. I always have to read your posts two or three times and try to digest half of it. I thought I'd have a chance to get it on one go.

Seriously, though. Thank you. It's interesting how everything ties together.

“Seriously, though. Thank you. It's interesting how everything ties together.”


Realize that none of us are using the exact same stones, prepared in the exact same manner, and honing the exact same blade in the same condition with the same level of experience and technique. Talk about variables.

It is not surprising that results are not predictable, or technique uniformly agreed to. There is also myth and questionable information in razor honing, that has influenced honing instruction for years.

It was not that long ago, mid 90’s when on this fora and others, the ultimate razor edges were said to have come off a Coticule or 8k Norton hone and even then synthetics derided as tools for the unwashed, by some. Any disagreement soundly denounced, lapping film… heresy.

We have come a long way. The bottom line is, there are a host of variables that affect edge creation and performance.

Additionally the somewhat recent availability and use of affordable high magnification, to see firsthand, the results of technique and stone/grit performance, have allowed the user to make more educated honing, progression decisions and develop edges well past the 90’s standards in both level of sharpness and comfort.

Sharp is easy, Keen, and comfortable, a completely different challenge.

I am not sure it is a myth exactly, but I think it could easily be an oversimplification. As you may remember, I was looking into blade design/manufacturing to try to make sense of some of the honing information. I talked to a custom blade manufacturer and he said that he designs his razors to be honed with one layer of tape. When I asked about the hone and edge wearing over time to keep a constant bevel angle he said he doesn't think that the spine and edge wear evenly enough for that to work.

And my head just started going through all the variables one would have to consider, and all the factors someone would have to control, in order to ensure that were to happen. But my rudimentary brain came up with about five before the words "oh my" escaped my lips.