Thread: sharpening for a newbie

Originally Posted by gugi

A proper HHT is not a pass/fail test, you'll have to learn how to use it by noticing the correlation between how the razor shaves and how the HHT goes.

Use magnification to check for any problems at the edge, you need to start with the correct bevel and often new guys can't notice chips and unevenness with the thumbnail test.

Thanks for the advice Gugi!

I used an old printers loupe (I used to be in the printing biz) to examine the edge. One of the old junkers I have has a bevel that's not very even. The spine isn't even either. Think that one might be a goner, unless I had someone re-grind it maybe?

The other one I honed started out in good shape. Nice even bevel across the entire blade. I'm hoping for a better result from that one.

Originally Posted by DerekC

What grit is your polishing stone? I've heard of people shaving off of 8k, my my shave was less than appealing until I polished on my Chinese natural. I'm looking to move up a grit from there, too. Maybe a 3 line Swaty or comparable barber hone.

My polishing stone is an 8K.

So now I need to get a 12K stone? Geez, I'm going to own a quarry by the time I'm done...

Sorry Waldanger, I didn't mean to hijack your thread...

Originally Posted by warpigs421

My polishing stone is an 8K.

So now I need to get a 12K stone? Geez, I'm going to own a quarry by the time I'm done...

Sorry Waldanger, I didn't mean to hijack your thread...

You can shave fine with the 4/8 if that is what you have. Honmiester Randydance recommended to me that I do exactly that before moving up to finer polishing and I have been following that procedure. When you get a good shave off the 4/8 you know your sharp enough and ready to go on up if you choose. If it ain't there yet you need to work on it more before you move up. As Randy told me, sometimes you have to go back to the hones a few times to dial it in.

G'day mate. Rock & a hard spot but if funds are an issue shop around & I'm sure you'll find it's cheaper to mail order from the USA, especially for 8k hones.
If you decide on the Chinese cheapie for final polishing Carba-Tec in Perth should sell them in the 8x2" size. I got one in Sydney for AUD $15.

thanks for the advice guys.

I think maybe I'll send it away to get honed, and then search for the gear I need.

cheers all