Honing my new TI

[chilira]

Honemeisters,

I'm struggling to get an edge on my new TI Sheffield Silver Steel razor. I'm using a Norton 4000/8000 stone.

I've watched Lynn's video countless times to ensure that my form/technique is solid. Very focused on 1.) X-pattern, 2.) maintaining minimal but constant pressure throughout each pass, 3.) keeping the razor flat -- again through each pass, 4.) using multiple pyramids (3-3; 1-3; 1-5); 5.) following up with 25-35 passes on my Illinois hanging strop. And of course, I've marked both sides of the stone and used a flattening stone to ensure I don't have a problem w/ him Norton.

I've probably completed 10-12 pyramids (and as many stroppings -- linen then leather).

I just can't seem to get an edge that will pass the HHT.

I'm considering going to the Norton 1000 stone for a few passes. Am I off base?


-chilira

[Russel Baldridge]

Well, this is a tough situation. The HHT doesn't always indicate a shave ready blade, some hairs are much finer than others and wont catch on the edge of the blade like your beard hair will. So the only real test is to shave with it. I shave a small section of forearm hair, and if that goes smoothly it is probably ready, but if the next days shave is bad I'll go back to the stones.

Take the blade and very lightly touch the edge with the pad of your thumb. If it feels sticky, it is cutting into the top layer of skin (dont hurt yourself, this test should be painless) and this means that you just need to refine the edge on the 8k. If the edge feels dull to you thumb pad, do some more passes on the 4k untill it feels sticky, then proceed to the 8k.

(pyramids aren't a magic formula, they work well for many situations, but not all)

[chilira]

The TI is still pulling (when shaving). When I compare the edge of the TI to my other razors that were professionally honed, it doesn't seem as tacky when using the thumb pad test. I will passes on the 4k alone until it feels sticky and let you know how I make out. Thanks for taking the time to help. Much appreciated.

[Russel Baldridge]

No problem, it's good that you have blades to use as comparison, they will tell you more about what you need to shoot for then I can.

How's your stropping technique? The blade will not feel like the pro edges until you've stropped it properly as well. I would say 50 to 100 good strokes will point you in the right direction.

[chilira]

While I think my technique is solid, it's tough to tell for sure. I'm using an Illinois strop #127. My stropping technique is similar to my honing with the obvious exception -- blade facing away from me. X-pattern, keep the blade flat, little and consistent pressure throughout each stroke.

With honing and stropping, I'm keeping the blade completely flat. Should I use a shallow angle (5 to 10 degrees)?

I tried 30 passes on the 4000 side, then stropped 30-40 times (linen first then leather). No improvement.

[CloseShave]

My TI's have become the favorite of my rotation. They take a fine edge and give an extremely close shave. They also have become expensive. I know you would like to learn honing yourself but you might consider sending the TI to honemeister such as Lynn before you hone excessively on a new TI. You can pick up a Wapi for $20 or so and learn to put a bevel and fine edge on it. Your loss will be minimal if your honing technique is not up to par.

[chilira]

Good advice. I'm done. I'm sending to a honemeister.

[Russel Baldridge]

While I think my technique is solid, it's tough to tell for sure. I'm using an Illinois strop #127. My stropping technique is similar to my honing with the obvious exception -- blade facing away from me. X-pattern, keep the blade flat, little and consistent pressure throughout each stroke. This sounds good, but you also have to move it pretty quickly when stropping for it to be effective. Much faster than when honing.

With honing and stropping, I'm keeping the blade completely flat. Should I use a shallow angle (5 to 10 degrees)? NO!!!!

I tried 30 passes on the 4000 side, then stropped 30-40 times (linen first then leather). No improvement.

Well, the 4000 side may have gotten you closer to where you need to be, but you always have to continue the progression up through the finest grit that you have before stropping and test shaving.

An edge off the 4000 that is perfectly honed will still not shave like one with a few passes on the 8000 after the 4000.

P.S. I wouldn't be terribly worried about the 4k/8k putting significant hone wear
on your spine, but it is a good idea to learn on a cheapo.

[JoshEarl]

Sending it out is a good idea. Some new razors need just a little honing, but some have a factory bevel that seems to have been created more for looks than for ease of sharpening by the eventual owner (that would be you). Yours might be just a few good strokes on the 8K away from a great shaving edge, or it might need an hour of expert work.

Get a Wapi or a cheap eBay razor that you're not afraid to hone to a sliver, and then let the learning begin.

Josh