Thread: Honing help: keeping it level.

Cheat. Put your pinky under the scales to stop the scales from dropping which will keep the blade flat.

If you imagine a line running through the middle of your hone from one end to the other, there is no need to allow the point of your razor to go much below that line. If the point of your razor is nearly coming off of the bottom edge of your hone, you probably need to shorten your stroke.

Keeping half of your blade on the hone at all times will give you more stability.


Scott

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Cheat. Put your pinky under the scales to stop the scales from dropping which will keep the blade flat.

Can you explain this? I don't quite see how the pinky is used.

Extend the scales directly outward from the blade so that the blade and scales form a straight line. Hold the razor in the air way above the hone. Hold it by the shank with thumb and forefinger. Balance it. The blade should not rise, nor should the scales dip.

Now curl your pinky under the scales making it impossible for the scales to dip. If the scales can not dip, the blade can not rise.

The blade can not dip either because it would have to dip into the stone.

The slightest upward pressure on the scales keeps the blade securely on the hone regardless of how much contact the blade has with the stone.

Honing with no pressure is now free, easy, and effortless.

Great tip Alan,thanks!

My problem is actually the opposite, the scales come up a little, so theres a small gap between the stone and the blade.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Cheat. Put your pinky under the scales to stop the scales from dropping which will keep the blade flat.

Unfortunately, this is really more of a muscle memory thing. If you take your time and try to get a smooth, steady stroke every time, your body will eventually learn how to do it on its own. However, when learning you have to be fairly careful you're getting it right. Early in the thread it was recommended that you keep at least half of the blade on the hone at all times. I would have to second this as a good way to keep it level and let your natural dexterity learn the technique. After you have it dialed in (and don't jump the gun on this) you can begin to pick up speed and make changes to your strokes from things like thin hones and smiling blades. Take your time, be patient, and don't overthink!

Originally Posted by jalapeno_peppah

My problem is actually the opposite, the scales come up a little, so theres a small gap between the stone and the blade.

Ah, that helps . . . then I'd suggest you sit in a higher chair or try a table of a different height. You need to change the orientation between you and the stone in a way that allows your body to move more freely.

If it happens more at the end of the stroke you can also take shorter strokes.

Also, keep your head steady. Some guys like to look and see if the blade is rising and its the looking that makes the blade rise because your head movement sets you off kilter.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Cheat. Put your pinky under the scales to stop the scales from dropping which will keep the blade flat.

I do it just as Alan says with an added twist that works for me. My index finger is very lightly on the shank with the razor balanced between the thumb and 2nd finger. Exactly as shown in this barber manual. The pinky under the scales and my index finger on top of the shank, together, helps me detect the slightest change on the hone. Most of my honing stroke is from the shoulder joint.

May or may not work for you. Made it much easier for me.

I'll second the pinky thing... actually on most passes I don't have any fingers on top, just cradle it from underneath so it's only the weight of the blade..