Thread: I just can't get the razor sharp!

That's right KD, but different strokes for different folks. What works for one won't work for another. Some guys are just stubborn ... yadya yada.

X

Originally Posted by stypticinthemorning

Can you expound a bit on how you're using two hands? You don't mean you're holding onto the spine over the blade, or do you? I thought that was a no-no because you'd apply too much pressure? (Remembering from Lynn's video)

A few caveats: I've only been honing for about a year; I've only honed about 20 individual razors in total (of which only two were 'new'); I've never seen Lynn's video (sorry Lynn ). So the information in the following post should be weighted accordingly...

I hone toward and away from me (the hone is perpendicular to me rather than parallel) On the 'toward me' stroke my right hand holds the tang and a bit of the handle with the middle, ring and pinky, respectively. Right hand pointer rests lightly on the spine near the tang, right hand thumb rests lightly on the blade directly under the pointer finger. Left hand only uses thumb and pointer on the tip end of the blade in similar positions to those same fingers on the right hand (pointer on spine, thumb under it). Almost like squeezing the up side of the spine between my thumb and pointer.

Opposite for the 'away from me' stroke ie thumbs rest on the spine and pointers on the blade.

I find that I can do this with pretty light pressure - the thumbs and pointers are basically just guides and the three other fingers on my right hand can control the movement. But if I need to I can add a little pressure if warranted.

I guess it's clumsier and slower than one handed, but it's the way I learned and works well for me - toes and heels are always as sharp as the rest, for example. I've honed hollows, wedges and my Friodur this way and haven't run into any strife.

Anyway, that's it for what it's worth...

James.

I have also found it a little easier to use two hands. I however use my left point finger to help hold the razor down. I hold th razor like Lynn does in his video, but will light touch the end of the razor with my left pointer finger. I don't put it on the spine. It is more like I have bumped the end of the razor up against my left finger. The finger is actually resting on the stone for the most part. With the razor slightly pressed against my finger, I find it easer to guide it evenly down the hone. Since my finger in is really lightly resting on the hone, I am not applying any pressure to the blade.

I, however, see two problems with this, and so I am trying to teach my self how to hand the razor more like Lynn. Either a) your stone is not wide enough and so your end comes off the left side, i.e. you are doing a more exaggerated x pass. Or b) your razor is too wide for your hone. Ok so they are really the same problem. Either way you would be forced to rest more finger on the spine, and I would avoid that if at all possible. I know it can probably be done with a light touch, but there is still a chance of applying to much pressure.

You really just kind of have to play with it a bit and find what works best for you.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think the guy's problem is he violated the first rule of honing, don't go and buy a spanking new quality razor and take it to a hone not knowing what he is doing.

Honing takes time and patience and you have to just practice, initially with a junk razor just to get the general idea of what your doing and then with a decent but still crummy razor just to get a result before to attack the quality stuff.

I agree with the pyramid thing. I never use the 4K unless the razor really needs major work. Most of the time a little work on the coticule and or 8K will do the trick.

My only other comment as lynn said each razor is an individual and each requires something different. Thats what makes honing an art.

Na I have an old dovo razor that I am trying my honing techniques on. I gave a run on the hone with my good razor once to try it out, didn't seem to make it any better, but not worse if that matters lol. I'll try it again saturday when all my friends leave my house for spring break.