Thread: Why lapping film rules

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

If this is what you see on your (second photo)
Sorry it is not better .You have not seen right polished razor edge.Sorry to say or you may seen just wanted show this as a experience?
both picture 's are worse then if you finish with Escher or Nakayama .if you use slurry.

I agree these are not the best edges I've ever seen either.

I was doing a quick progression at lunchtime when I could sneak my razor in on the scope here at work.

I agree also that you can get similarly good results off of natural stones. I have razor finished by Russel Baldridge, he used a Nakayama, and the edge on it is fantastic (though I never looked at it under the scope...).

But I do hear alot of folks say that they have "a hard time" honing stainless, new steel TIs, Wacker razors, etc. In that case, I would recommend the lapping films, as they will cut through absolutely any kind of steel with no fuss whatsoever.

Here is a pic of a different razor that I actually spent some time working on after coming off the 1um. The finish is much nicer than the 1um "quicky" that I show in my original progression pics above. Same 200x magnification. No paper backing here.

this edge is a lot better one.

Great post!

I'm an all-films guy, and it's been working out great for me. Easy, cheap. I buy sheets from Tools For Working Wood (they have sample packs), cut each sheet into 3 strips and mount on glass with rubber feet for stability and grip.

If I need to set/adjust a bevel, I use the 15 micron film with water or oil. It takes a while but I like the results. Then I basically follow a similar progression as Seraphim, with water or oil, just to get the crud out of the way. Sometimes I'll take a dry pass after I've finished with the wet pass.

No stones for me, dude.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I was doing a quick progression at lunchtime when I could sneak my razor in on the scope here at work.

Hey Seraphim,
Thanks for the post. Your micrographs are always tops.

Your point about the difference in the effect of a cushion is interesting. I assumed you were focusing on the consistency of the extreme edge and not on the degree of polish of the bevel.

By the way, I can't remember how you use the film. Do you strop or do you hone?

Use it as a hone.

I think that the actual edge is also smoother, not just a more polished bevel.