Thread: Honing help: keeping it level.

Does anyone out there have advice on keeping the razor horizontal when honing?
Try as I might I can't keep it level at the end of the stroke when just the tip is left on the stone.
Usually I just can't tell whether it's level or not, but when I can tell, its off.
tips? advice? cheats?

Thanks team

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 jalapeno_peppah

Does anyone out there have advice on keeping the razor horizontal when honing?
Try as I might I can't keep it level at the end of the stroke when just the tip is left on the stone.
Usually I just can't tell whether it's level or not, but when I can tell, its off.
tips? advice? cheats?

Thanks team

WHATEVER HAND YOU ARE USING, MAKE SURE THE ELBOW IS HIGHTER THAN YOUR WRIST. WORKS FOR ME

GOOD LUCK

LIMIT

Stabilize the blade with 1-3 fingers of the other hand resting on the spine. Works for me.

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

This isn't cheating, it's good technique!

I also agree with keeping your elbow above the wrist. If
you need to sit a little higher in your chair this will help.

- 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.