Thread: Setting the Bevel, a vague definition.

Setting a bevel = making the two sides of the razor meet at a "fine enough" point along the entire straight edge. The definition of "fine enough" can be quibbled over, but setting a bevel is not, IMO, any more complicated than that.

James.

Thanks for all the great bevel descriptions!

In some regards some things cannot be defined beyond the vague. "Shave ready" or "properly finished" are such examples, I think. They are somewhat subjective. We might have some agreement on what is not shave ready, or properly finished but we potentially have different expectations, wants, or needs for what is.

Such are the blurry lines between repair, restore, and correction. I think perhaps we all have to draw our own lines as appropriate. And for those that offer services...they have to convey their definitions and prices somehow

I think there might be some confusion regarding the difference between the goal and the process going on here.

Bevel setting to me is the goal in this context. It is in fact, at least in the way I think of it, black and white - as in the bevel is either set or it is not.

When you start bringing in the initial condition of the razor and defining things like "chip removal", "restoration honing" etc, then you are talking about a process. And processes are subjective with many many shades of grey.

To me bevel setting is a black box - a razor goes in, a bevel-set razor comes out. What goes on in the box is another matter altogether.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I think there might be some confusion regarding the difference between the goal and the process going on here.

Bevel setting to me is the goal in this context. It is in fact, at least in the way I think of it, black and white - as in the bevel is either set or it is not.

When you start bringing in the initial condition of the razor and defining things like "chip removal", "restoration honing" etc, then you are talking about a process. And processes are subjective with many many shades of grey.

To me bevel setting is a black box - a razor goes in, a bevel-set razor comes out. What goes on in the box is another matter altogether.

James.

Some razors sure require a bigger box

I find there is two ways to go;
either you follow the razor and let the bevel be as good as the shape of the back and the overall shape of the razor permits.
In that case you often end up with an uneven bevel, more so on a warped razor.

The other way is that you with tricks of tape, x-strokes and so on, give it an even nice looking bevel.
The problem I find it gives is that you have to continue with the tricks.

I admit I prefer an even bevel but not all razors are perfect, far from it.
But it's less than fun to get a razor for sharpening with what looks like a perfect bevel,
a quick touch up and it's done... not so!
Becourse someone used one layer of tape on the spine ( two layers on the tip), honed it with a light finger pressure 3/4 in from the heel and...
Nice tricks, and sure looks good but as a tool you didn't help with further service of it.

It's been said in these threads before and bears repeating, polishing a bevel that is not set properly is the same as polishing a turd!!! useless endeaver!!

IMO,

tinkersd