Thread: Problems with a wedge

Personally, I don't bother taping when honing a wedge. That's just me.

My thinking is you have a super meaty piece of steel, and there's no reason to baby it. I hit mine up with 220, 320, 400, 600, and then a DMT1200 and kept working that 1200 without going easy on the pressure until I had a hair cutting edge along the whole length. Then proceeded on to my usual progression.

I ended up with very wide bevels, close to 1/4" wide each, but it took a fine edge, and shaves like a dream!

I did use a taped spine when honing my recent Marshes wedge, but that was to protect the worked back I had put on there. I'm actually thinking to re-do that, as the stropping feels horrible with the 600 grit finish that's on the spine bevel now.

I am also of the opinion that butter knifing does not save you any time whatsoever

I just re-read your post.

I think since you set your bevel with three layers of tape, you have to stick with that throughout the process, or you will truly get frustrated at not getting anywhere with your 4k Norton.

You can start with one layer and then go for two or three for a final edge, which works well, if you're into that. But the opposite way does not work since you are going from a higher angle to a lower one.

Here's a pic of why: