Thread: Frameback - from start to finish

I am glad that everything worked out for you with this one. For what it's worth, I would strongly recommend that you never use the thumbnail test after you get past the 4K level because your thumbnail will actually dull the edge somewhat. When the edge is getting close to shave ready in the 8K level and beyond it is much thinner than a piece of paper so you can imagine how being dragged across something as hard as a thumbnail can be counterproductive to attaining optimal sharpness. As far as the smaller bevel goes, the size is determined by the actual grind of the razor, not your honing or lack of it for the most part (Of course if you wear the razor down this is different. On the other hand, if the heal is not as sharp as the rest of the blade then that is on you and you will have to do more work in this area if you want the razor to be equally sharp from heal to toe (the heal is generally the most difficult because it normally spends the least amount of time on the hone). If your M&W shaves anthing like mine the you definately have a keeper there!

The size of the bevel doesn't mean anything. As long as there is a bevel and the very edge contacts the hone, you should be good to go.

Sounds like you did a great job! I wouldn't mess with it unless you really want to.

Congrats!

Thanks! I will avoid the thumbnail test after the 4K. As for the bevel, I have a nice, even edge, heel to toe on both sides, it's just that one side seems to have a wider bevel than the other. Based on the shave, it doesn't seem to have any effect - both side of the face felt great. I may take it back to the coticule to fine tune it, but I think that is all I need to do.

My next step is taking the wedge I bought from heavyduty back to the stones (probably just needs some coticule action).

HeavyDuty, do you tape the spine on your wedges?

Thanks again! I have a boat-load of razors to work on (mine, not others)...so getting good feedback early on helps!

Thanks! I will avoid the thumbnail test after the 4K. As for the bevel, I have a nice, even edge, heel to toe on both sides, it's just that one side seems to have a wider bevel than the other. Based on the shave, it doesn't seem to have any effect - both side of the face felt great. I may take it back to the coticule to fine tune it, but I think that is all I need to do.

If it is just the size of the bevel and not the level of sharpness that is an issue then you are in a fine position now, and more work on the stones is likely not going to change anything for the better.

My next step is taking the wedge I bought from heavyduty back to the stones (probably just needs some coticule action).

HeavyDuty, do you tape the spine on your wedges?

I have done it both ways, maybe if you send me a picture of the razor then I can remember. Adding one layer of tape for touch ups to a razor originally honed without tape will not cause any problems; but tring to touch up a razor without tape on a fine stone that was originally honed with tape will be a waste of time because you will have a reverse double bevel. This means that the hone will not contact the shaving edge until the edge is completely re-established (which could take a REALLY long time with a wedge and a fine stone). I also went over a method of using a permanent marker to see whether the razor was honed with or without tape on my videos if you want to check that out. You could just add 1 layer of tape and be fine either way (assuming I don't remember what I did and you don't want to figure it out).

Thanks again! I have a boat-load of razors to work on (mine, not others)...so getting good feedback early on helps!

The more you practice the better you will get (of course there will always be a few "problem" ones too). As Lynn says, Have Fun!

Thanks! Sharpness does not seem to be an issue...would going back to the coticule do anything for "smooth"?

Here is a pic of the wedge...it is a Wade and Butcher. Shaves like a dream...just needs touched up after much whisker-whacking. Pic attached.

I have found I enjoy the honing...very "zen"......

The coticule will give a smoother edge than many stones of equal grit, and most times it's a personal preference type of situation, so if you feel like the edge isn't as good as it could be you can give it a shot.

If the edge turns out a little worse than it was, try a few laps on the Escher to see if it will return to it's initial condition (or better). If nothing improves, you are at the max. performance for those stones and that piece of steel. For better results you might have to go to pastes or other stones, but that shouldn't be necessary since those stones ought to be up there with the best of 'em.

I totally agree about honing, it's very relaxing...

...once you get passed the initial frustration.

Originally Posted by WireBeard

Thanks! Sharpness does not seem to be an issue...would going back to the coticule do anything for "smooth"?

Here is a pic of the wedge...it is a Wade and Butcher. Shaves like a dream...just needs touched up after much whisker-whacking. Pic attached.

I have found I enjoy the honing...very "zen"......

I think that I honed the razor without tape (can you see a slightly worn but polished spine?). That is not actually a wedge, it is more like a 1/3-1/4 hollow so it should be a little easier than a wedge. A yellow coticule should be enough to maintain any razor in shave ready condition for life as long as you do not damage the edge. It should only take a few light passes and some stropping to touch it up.

David

Cool, thanks!

How goes the CPA tests?

Originally Posted by WireBeard

Cool, thanks!

How goes the CPA tests?

I am taking the Financial section on Friday and then Auditing toward the middle of October. Once they are through then the last two sections should not be nearly as tough (shorter tests with less calculations and much less scope in material) and I expect to be done by the middle of January '09. After that, knowing myself I will probably get bored and go for a CFA, MBA, or Law Degree to go with it. I love a challenge and keeping busy, although my girlfriend does not always share the same view