Thread: Honing Problem

welcome to srp. since the others covered pretty much the basics, i'll just pick up the esotherics

Originally Posted by papasote

I think this will benefit more now that I've actually seen the worn out blade and will be able to compare after some professional work as oppose to just buying something shave ready.

Yes, you'll probably be really convinced that you got your money's worth I think that's a common problem around these parts.

Originally Posted by papasote

Now, I looked at the classifieds for the honing services and noticed several ads that look promising (all are relatively the same ballpark price range). Is there anyone in particular that could be recommended? or anyone to avoid?

I'm pretty sure any of them will do great. Not sure if you'll get your spine fixed with everybody or unless you ask them to. I'd probably not change it unless it's my razor and I wouldn't expect honing to take care of it as it's very much restoration territory (actually most ebay razors fall under that for me since honing them is a lot more work than honing say a brand new razor).

Originally Posted by papasote

That being said, let's assume it hasn't been neglected or mistreated either. Years go by after no use and someone decides to purchase this razor from somewhere like ebay. How in the world does the bevel get so dull that an entirely new bevel must be set in? If the original user was only using it for shaving purposes, the blade would have had some sort of decent bevel (or blade, not sure of the terminology) to where the next person that picked it up could simply do a little honing and get it shave ready again (assuming it wasn't honed after its last use). Does this make sense or am I not using my brain? The metal edge doesn't just magically round itself off.

Yes, I agree. So... I guess you just proved your assumption was wrong
Actually you should ask Glen (gssixgun) sometime about the mystery of the dulling razors.

Originally Posted by papasote

Let's say I wanted to learn how to set a new bevel on my own (in the future after some experience), where could I find some good literature/pictures/etc.?

There really isn't much to it - you hone until the edge is sharp and straight line (i.e. no microchips or waviness). The second part is easily solved with magnification, the first part is where you have
two options: (1) blind trial and error (2) ask somebody to just set a bevel on a razor for you and use it as a reference point while learning.
Most people who have helped newbies will tell you that the bevel setting seems to be the most challenging part.
Correcting overhoning should be easy - run the edge lightly over a toothpick or a match stick, or do few (2-5) backwards or circular strokes on the hone.