Thread: Problem Lapping Lithide

Hi, I have been shaving with a straight razor for a couple of weeks, and I am completely new at lapping hones. I have found this to be a great site for information, but I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on lapping a lithide hone.
I just got a hone set from Tilly (the cushion strop, gem, and lithide) and have spent the greater portion of five days trying to lap them. I used 800, 1000 and 2000 grit sandpaper on a flat surface for the cushion strop and gem hones, and I think I was able to get a good surface.
However, I'm unable to get a smooth surface on the lithide hone. I read that it is supposed to have a "mirror finish", and it is still completely matte. 2000 grit is the finest sandpaper I can find locally, and I have tried it with lather and water, but I am unable to achieve a shiny finish. A lot of you on this forum seem to have the same hone, so I was wondering how others got them into good working order? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Richard

I never got mine to a shiny "mirror" finish. I went all the way to 2000 grit also. Took at least 1/16" of the hone. Just get it lapped flat and I believe the 2000 is fine enough. Worked just fine without the "mirror" finish.

Ok, forget the mirror finish. You will get more and more shine with use but a mirror might be the wrong verbage. Just make sure you are using a flat surface like a thick piece of glass, going through the grits and finishing with the 2000 or higher. I like to use an old razor that is never going to be any good for shaving and hone the heck out of it. Then wash the hone off with water and try your razor on it. You can do this with all of your hones that you got.

Glen

Hi,

I at first was also a bit worried about this lack of mirror finish after lapping. I even tried to lapp the Lithide just with water on a glass plate, the slurry from the Lithide itself forming the abrasive ....

Its still the matte finish, but the hone works just fine. I got the impression that it requires a really light touch to get good results....

-Axel-

No mirror on mine also... I think it works like it's supposed to, though...

Nenad