Want to learn to hone my razor...MN

Hey everyone,

I'm a new enthusiast with a few old blades I'm trying to sharpen on a Norton 4k/8k. I have flattened the stones, and set a bevel on a 1k stone, but I can't get anything better than a tugging, sub-par shave edge on the 4k/8k. Whether I do pyramids, or just lots of strokes on 4k followed by lots of strokes on the 8k... the blades aren't even close to shave ready. They are a hollow ground Frederick Reynolds and Joseph Elliot, so the blade shouldn't be the issue. How do I master this damn technique? Do I need a finer stone? Do I just need to hone them for like an hour or something? What's up shavers?

Hi Doodle
Welcome to SRP
Here is a link to find a mentor in your area.
Of note, randydance in St. Paul is an excellent tutor

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

You got the stropping rhythm down to smooth moves? It's easy to ruin a perfect edge with a bad stroke or two.

Honing old blades often needs old honers (experience). What makes you think you set a bevel by the way? It isn't easy. +1 on finding a mentor if you can.

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Originally Posted by rolodave

Hi Doodle
Welcome to SRP
Here is a link to find a mentor in your area.
Of note, randydance in St. Paul is an excellent tutor

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

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I'll vouch for randydance062449, one session with him at the KC meet and I've been successfully honing ever since. Great experience with a great teacher!

Where are you located? On the off chance that you don't live in or near the Twin Cities I might be a closer option.
Not better, just closer!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Where are you located? On the off chance that you don't live in or near the Twin Cities I might be a closer option.
Not better, just closer!

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Are you certified?

Not that I know of, but have been told I am certifiable. That's good, right?

I 3rd Randy if you are close to the TC and Utopian if you are south.

You probably need a 1k stone to set the bevel, then the 4k/8k will be fine

Definitely get help if available. Sounds like your bevel needs work. Once the bevel is set properly it doesn't take much work on the 4 and 8 to finish up.

As stated... Your bevel is probably not set.

I and RodB will see you this weekend! :)
Utopian, your invited also! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

I and RodB will see you this weekend! :)
Utopian, your invited also! :)

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This is what it's all about!

Hey everyone, Doodle here. I just want to thank everyone for the prompt feedback. Randydance062449 agreed to meet up with me a few days ago, when he and a fellow named Rod taught me the secretive ways of the honemeister for upwards of three hours. I now know how to set a proper bevel, and how to get the most out of a Norton 4k/8k, using various stroke types and different levels of slurry and pressure. We also had some fun, busting out a microscope to look at the edge and using a retro lapping plate to shave some serious steel off an old Sheffield wedge grind.

I strongly recommend that anyone in the Twin Cities area with an interest meet up with Randy and Rod. Great guys, great teachers, great experience. Thanks again for the help everyone!

Pesky bevels. After struggling to get it right I went to Asheville last April and learned much more in two days then I had figured out in a year. It was an epeic session including Lynn, Randydance and Utopian. Hard to beat learning from some of the best. I know you enjoyed the experience. :)

Hey Doodle :)

It was good having your here. Both RodB amd me enjoyed your company ( and the bottle of wine!). :)
You picked up on honing and stropping rather quickly so I think your going to do just fine with this manly art of shaving.

Padre O'Brien stopped over today and we are talking about a small razor scale making get together soon. I will let you know when & where.

Once again, your welcome to come over again any time. :)