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I'm fairly new at sr shaving,(5 months), I've reached the point where I'm getting a close comfortablee shave. I have one question though,I'm using a ceramic rod set to hone my razor. It seems to work okay but it also seems very easy to overhone.Am I damaging my razor with this approach?
how are you using the rods? Can you give a little more info? I think most people here use a flat whetstone of some description but you may be about to wake us up to a whole new way of honing...
What do you mean by overhoned?
Ceramic rods are an unusual method for this forum; but hey, if it's working then that's great.
By overhone do you mean you are creating a burr?
If so, don't sharpen like you would a knife, alternate sides EVERY pass during maintenance. The only time I pass a razor back and forth (without flipping) on a hone is when I'm trying to take metal off it (working out a chip).
You aren't technically damaging your razor by burring and then removing, as long as you get a smooth edge in the end, but you are shortening it's life by removing way more metal than necessary to get to a sharp edge. Also, I suspect most members with more experience will tell you that you likely can't get an edge as sharp as you would like without a more delicate honing method.
Because of the size I would think you would have to be very careful however if the grit is right and you are skilled with the rods and you are getting the result you want then that might be the method for you though its unorthodox.
Thanks for all the input. To answer the question about method,the rods fit in a wood block to hold them at a constant angle. Then the razor is run down the rods perpendicular to the block to give you the right angle for sharpening.
The 'right' angle for sharpening a razor is determined by laying it flat with spine & edge contacting the hone.... Usually...
Sounds like you're freehanding it like a knife ???
Those ceramic thingamabobs are meant for knives and they might or might not be suitable for razors (they might be too coarse, depending on the set). Currently I think you are sharpening them as you would sharpen a knife?
If you are getting good enough edges with that, I don't see why you couldn't continue using that. However, it will increase the bevel angle which may lead to sturdier, but duller edge.
Razors are usually honed flat on a bench hone. Please see the wiki for additional information.
As a point of interest, did you start with a shave-ready razor honed by a pro, or have you always sharpened your own?
TomBob,
If your rods are circular, or triangular, please be careful !!
As the contact patch between the blade and the rod is very small, it can be very, very easy to apply too much pressure :(
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
I've always honed my own
Ok. It's good that you get good shaves with that then. You have good touch.
I don't think you've damaged the razor: If you get good shaves, that is the final test for razor and thus it is not damaged. However, the edge most probably will have to be rebuilt if somebody starts honing it flat on the hone.
I see no reason why you couldn't continue doing what seems to work.
I did not start with a shave ready razor,however the more I read,the more that seems like the next logical step.
Even if it's working for you, you might do even better someday if you tried the more conventional methods. Razor hones are available with much finer grit than most ceramic rods.
Also, the angle provided by your crocsticks is probably 30 to 40 degrees inclusive (typical for knives). When held flat to the stone, a razor will have a bevel angle more like 17 degrees inclusive.
It might be interesting for you to shave test your honing against a pro-honed blade to see if there is a noticeable difference in comfort.Quote:
Originally Posted by TomBob
As Matt321 said, you might find that you have room to improve your edges. But your call, as always :).
Interesting method of sharpening!
I use a stone that will be around the same grit as the rods 600.
This also can put a good useable edge on a razor!
But for a super smooth shave I use a 12K to polish it till it shines.