Thread: Hone Help

Hi, i just need a few pointers please.
I've purchased some Shaptons, 1K,4K,8K,16K.
I've watched untold honing videos and read quite a bit on the subject.
I know it takes time to learn this skill but there is one thing im not sure on.
So far ive hones 2 razors and i seem to be changing the hight of the bevel. The bevel on most razors i've seen is quite a thin line but after ive done some honing that bevel is at least 2 times thicker, at least on one side.
So what am i doing wrong? am i over honing and how would i get the bevel back to a thin line?
Cheers for the help, im a dumb a*s

You might be better putting this in the honing section, other than that I know as much as you, sorry

Try get some good pics of it, that will help us get a better picture of what happened!

So this is a few things that can be the reason.
To much pressure on the razor when honing = uneven bevel
uneven spinewear on the razors spine. = uneven bevel
not doing right swipes on a smiling edge = uneven bevel
the edge is frawn = uneven bevel
thin spine/wide blade = thick bevel
stones not flat = uneven bevel


well thats a few things to look into.

Lemur is spot on - if you're able to post some pics, we'll be able to have a much better idea of what's going on. Without that it's a bit tricky to make suggestions. Mr. Magnus has given some good suggestions as well.

Are they new or vintage razors? If they are older, it's possible that the spine has already been worn down over the years. That's what we mean by hone wear. And as Mr. Magnus mentioned, either excessive or uneven honewear can cause your bevel to be thick or uneven.

Also bear in mind that while it might look different from what you expect, they may still shave great. One of my best shavers is a J. Wostenholm EBRO that has a really, really wonky bevel. It is a bit of a bear to hone thanks to uneven hone wear on the spine, but it shaves *great*. Now, that's the exception and aiming for a nice even, thin bevel is a good idea. Just remember that the only test that matters is how it actually shaves.

And as for being a dumb a*s, surely the fact you're here disproves that theory, no?

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Lemur is spot on - if you're able to post some pics, we'll be able to have a much better idea of what's going on. Without that it's a bit tricky to make suggestions. Mr. Magnus has given some good suggestions as well.

Are they new or vintage razors? If they are older, it's possible that the spine has already been worn down over the years. That's what we mean by hone wear. And as Mr. Magnus mentioned, either excessive or uneven honewear can cause your bevel to be thick or uneven.

Also bear in mind that while it might look different from what you expect, they may still shave great. One of my best shavers is a J. Wostenholm EBRO that has a really, really wonky bevel. It is a bit of a bear to hone thanks to uneven hone wear on the spine, but it shaves *great*. Now, that's the exception and aiming for a nice even, thin bevel is a good idea. Just remember that the only test that matters is how it actually shaves.

And as for being a dumb a*s, surely the fact you're here disproves that theory, no?

The razor was a hand me down from my older brother to my younger brother and my older bro had done some honing on it, so it was worn down a bit.
I think i have it all figured now. I had a un honed "Not a Replica" Baxters razor that i dropped and put a little chip in it. So i sent it back to USAville for honing and it came back yesterday, the bevel is not 100% straight and perfect, so i guess it dosnt matter really if its not straighter than a straight thing in a straight place..
I also honed my Dovo and it is sharp.. Its not popping hairs off my arm with that pinging sound but still its sharp..
I also think a new razor has a really thin bevel and then with honing it becomes a bit wider..
thanks