Thread: Dang, I thought I had a new question

Originally Posted by Crawler

I feel that tape, when learning to hone, is just good sense. For kicks 'n chronology, I put all the spent tape from honing sessions (mostly from a single razor) on the lid for the Tupperware that I keep my honing kit in. After work tonight, I'll snap a pic of it. It's a nice example of spine wear PREVENTED.

It is also an interesting case study of how the geometry of the blade will affect hone wear. That is, compensating for a razor that isn't laser-straight will cause the spine to have uneven wear, just trying to ensure the bevels meet. I like that I can see, looking at the tape, where I needed more pressure on the blade for a good edge. Thinking about it... I should start a nerdy journal, with tape from a given razor each getting its own page. Imagery sometimes explains things better to my brain than words can .

I couldn't stop myself from imagining one of those creepy stalker picture walls.

It cuts the whiskers off my skin unless it wants the hones again!

Yes. It's funny but I has assumed the edge would wear faster that the spine. Now I've seen more razors and more videos, I can see why the thing you'd be worrying about is the spine. For certain, there'll be tape on the spine when I first get to the stage of honing. But in the long run (outside of special circumstances) it feels like it would be a prop allowing one to get away with poor technique. My plan is to not have poor technique. I'm anticipating more that a little tears, wailing and the rending of hair

I'd be interested to see your photos and/or nerdy journal

Yea, it is the hardest thing for Knife Guys to accept, including some umptieth generation blade smiths, that razors are different from knives in many ways. You are not the first.

Sounds like you are accepting that, so you will be fine. Many a knife guy has tried to make and hone razors and given up.

You will learn a lot by studying vintage razors. I know a couple guys that started, by doing just that, reproducing vintage designs. It is amazing and a bit of a mystery how much the old guys knew.

The best way to learn to hone is with a local mentor.

Have taught a few and there is always a point where the light bulb comes on, and they get it. Seems to be different for everyone. And everyone says it’s the little things, that you never get in a video or forum post.

Enjoy the journey, wishing you success, really there are not enough good razor makers left.

Thanks for the good wishes. Like I said, interesting journey and pleasant company - can't ask for more than that

It's good that you have come to recognize that there is more to this than "sharp is sharp." We have heard that many times over the years here from knife guys who say that phrase while also saying that razor honing will be easy for them. They almost always come to recognize that they were wrong.

It looks like you are off to a great start and I look forward to your participation here.

Well, playing the violin doesn't make you a concert pianist ... I think it's the same sort of thing. Hopefully there's some advantage but I shan't be counting on it.
(Merry Christmas, all)

I think that is an excellent analogy. You'll do just fine here!

Sorry about the delay. I finally got those pictures of the spent tape. It starts at the top, with the oldest, and the most recently discarded are at the bottom. Also, I'm fairly certain that they are all oriented with the end (of the tape) that was at the heel/stabilizer, is the side of the tape that is now on the right side. At least most of them, anyway...



For the rest of the pics, I took two of each close-up. One without flash, and one with flash. Because physics be a fickle mistress! (Light reflection was used to capture the tape wear.)

Oldest.















Newest.

Most, but not all of those are from the same razor.

Originally Posted by Crawler

Most, but not all of those are from the same razor.

Waste not want not ..........

Some might ask: "Why did you need to go through so much tape for the same razor??"

Answer: The only razor hone I have is a Shapton M5 12k ceramic. So anything more than "a quick refresh" will take both time & effort. You must also remember that the tape wears much more quickly than the steel.