Thread: Rough edge on microscopic view...help.

I have not been honing long and have run into a dilema. Under microscopic view (50X) my razor's edge has definate hills and valleys no matter what I do.

Background. It shaves adequately with and across the grain but against the grain it has a tendancy to skip (mostly chin). It isn't like I have a overly course beard either.


I am honing with 3M Micro abrasive film and mineral oil (15, 5, 0.3 microns respectively).

I have gone from face chewing sharp to manageable shave sharp but can't seem to get that "cutting through hot butter" shave, especially against the grain.

Am I correct that the edge should not show these imperfections under the microscope?

Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

jocko

also to ask is a 30X magnifier strength adequate?

cheers

You shouldn't see that at 50x and 30x is adequate, but just barely..

It depends on what kind of scope you are using. Its not about the magnification its about the resolution. If your using one of those radioshack jobs you need about 100x because the resolution is so poor but if your using a quality instrument you can see more at 30x then you can at 100x with the radio shack. So its hard to answer your question not knowing that. In general the edge should be smooth though.

So here is the update. I destroyed a disposable and looked at it under the microscope (look ma, no stitches) and now I know what it is supposed to look like...and knowing is half the battle, go joe.

Now, how do I get there from here. I went back to the 8K paper-no real change. I went back to the 4K paper-hills and valleys turned into pike's peak and mt Fuji. I went to the 8 K and then the finishing paper-hills and valleys again, this time a bit smaller. Stropping-hills and valleys even shorter but still present and a bit more angular.

Meanwhile I still get an adequate with the grain shave. Still not hot butter feel.

I have a TM 4 sided strop coming my way (pasted on 3 sides). Maybe that will help.

I just feel like I missed something in the early stages of honing and I am still paying for my sins.

Here's my WAG (can't say that I'm "Honemeister" class myself)...

Possibly too much pressure still while honing, and the reason for "hills & valleys" or "the world's top peaks."