Thread: How to sharpen a curved edge?

Just so it's clear. You're talking about a curved blade similar to the shape of the one in the SRP logo not one that's warped or "smiling" right.

Heel first and rolling swooping ending if necessary off the spine at the end of the stroke. Or toe first. There are many other ways but this works for me.

Originally Posted by bill3152

Heel first and rolling swooping ending if necessary off the spine at the end of the stroke. Or toe first. There are many other ways but this works for me.

Ja. Which means that it's not going to be as precise as a straight edge. Figured there couldn't be any other approach but wanted to verify.

Originally Posted by Headcrowny

Ja. Which means that it's not going to be as precise as a straight edge. Figured there couldn't be any other approach but wanted to verify.

Not quite true... Most every razor is not really straight, in fact many people hone them toward a smile because it is a comfortable shave (Look at the old Barber's Manuals)

If you lift the spine then yes you would lose that precise edge and create a wavy edge that you can actually feel when honing.. Many will reference a Rocking X or Rolling X but understand that the spine still stays on the hone at the same time as the edge...

The razor in the logo is a "Smiling blade" the terms are there in the Library to see...

Perfectly flat edges imo have to be honed that way. I dont think I ever saw a new blade perfectly flat. And I would say the spine would stay on the hone if possible. But some of these blades have been honed that way so you gotta kind of follow the leader. On the spine always if possible. And many times you have to lift the toe to get to the heel. So every one is different, can't comment on any specific one.

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Just so it's clear. You're talking about a curved blade similar to the shape of the one in the SRP logo not one that's warped or "smiling" right.

Correct, although I'd been under the impression that people were referring to blades like the logo as being "smiling". But I'm talking about a blade that's curved on purpose, just as a scimitar is.

Originally Posted by Headcrowny

Thanks! I hadn't yet watched that vid and will be sure to check them all out. I figured it was essentially what he demonstrated. Much more involved than a straight blade.

It is just different Honing Gymnastics

The blade of every razor has to glide over the hones equally and evenly period... The difference in technique is to make that happen