Thread: What's your approach to refreshing a pretty good edge?

12k, depending on the razor 10 to 20 laps (20 for harder steel). Then test. Don't go down in grit unless you HAVE to. If it still needs it after the 10 (or 20) laps, try another 10, test, and then if needed another 10. If that doesn't bring it back THEN go lower in grit and do a pyramid with the 8 and the 12.

Whenever the crox on linen I use doesn't do it, I take it down to the 3k chosera and up. That's just me and it really takes no time. YMMV and not disagreeing with anyone here. Its what I do.

This really varies quite a bit, that is the answer

Do you have a regular maintenance schedule, if so then the response is going to be something like many of the guys say above, with the Pasted strops or a High Grit refresh.. This must be done on a regular basis so that the edge never slips below a certain point.. I know from experience that this can be maintained for years, tens of years even...

On the other hand

If you are letting the edge degrade until it actually starts pulling, then that is not really maintenance, and you have to drop down a bit farther in grits to refresh that edge.

It is all just a matter of degree, and you have control of what you chose to do here, each person will have a slightly different response because of all the variables present...

When Michael and I got today he did the same with a 12k and it did a nice job of bringing the edge back to life.

Luis

You know what I like? I like how you said "What's YOUR approach", not "What's the approach". This gives you a bunch of ideas without starting a debate on the 'correct' solution. Well done on the question...

I generally give it a good stropping and then a few passes on the 12k.
(I strop to make sure the edge is aligned prior to touching the stone. Just my thought pattern about stropping first )
I have some blades I like a CrOx finish on so if it is one of those they will get a few laps on my pasted strop after the 12k.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

12k, depending on the razor 10 to 20 laps (20 for harder steel). Then test. Don't go down in grit unless you HAVE to. If it still needs it after the 10 (or 20) laps, try another 10, test, and then if needed another 10. If that doesn't bring it back THEN go lower in grit and do a pyramid with the 8 and the 12.

Thanks! That makes mucho sense.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

You know what I like? I like how you said "What's YOUR approach", not "What's the approach". This gives you a bunch of ideas without starting a debate on the 'correct' solution. Well done on the question...

:-) Indeed, I tend to not be an absolutist.

I've been using the .5 Diamond/Felt SRD Paddle for my every 25-30 shave refresh with great results. (6 - count em - 6 weight of the razor strokes - no tape)

If I need to go to the 12K Nan touch up, don't I need to tape the razors that were honed with tape?

I first look at the edge with magnification and strong light, especially down on the edge before doing anything. Find out why it is flagging.

For a new honer stropping is usually the cause of edge failure and the extent of damage determines the extent of repair.
Stropping, Paste, Finish hone and Full bevel reset as needed.

Yes, if honed taped you will need to tape if touching up on a 12K or any finish hone.