Thread: First Refreshed Edge, Shapton 16k

Just 'refreshed' by first edge. The Burrell Top Flight (my first straight) that I got on the 6th of June hadn't been honed at all since I got it, and I'd used it every day until the 11th of August (when I got my second razor) and maybe every other day since then. I got myself a Shapton 16k and a Norton 4/8. Today I bought a cheap ($25) 'Ice Bear' flattening Stone and a Nagura cleaning stone. I drew the grid on the Shapton and soaked the flattening stone for about 15 mins (not sure if I needed to but I did anyway) and did 30 figure eights. The grid was almost gone but not quite; so I did about 70 more. I then re-did the grid and did it again. I noticed the second time I still had to remove some low points on one corner. I then cleaned the stone with the Nagura Cleaning Stone and made a little bit of a slurry. I passed the blade over the stone, first trying a figure eight; but when I couldn't get that, going diagonal, i.e. blade held 'toe down' flat on the stone, moved up parallel to the edge and then down toe up parallel to the edge; oh, I bevelled the edges a bit too before I honed. Did about 20 laps. I had to use both hands to push the blade, I couldn't keep it quite flat using one hand. I only pushed across the stone; not down. I kept grinding a bit of the shoulder by mistake. Then I slowed all the way down and REALLY concentrated. People say that the only real test is to shave, so I did, even though I'd only shaved 6 hours before. It seems OK, maybe not as sharp as when I go it, but maybe better than before. Even did ATG on the neck. It struggled a little on the neck area ATG (which I find is always difficult; that technique needs a certain edge with a certain steady hand and a certain lather) the edge could be sharper, but for a first attempt, I'm happy. I really thought I'd end up with a destroyed blade. I did practise a bit on the one I'm 'restoring' (AKA destroying) first...

I think you need to practice , and learn , the "X" stroke . It is the only stroke you need to know for refreshing the edge . I don't know where you got the idea to hone in a figure 8 stroke , but to the best of my knowledge the figure 8 is only used for lapping , not honing . You should get an awesome edge from a Shapton 16k , but it sounds like you're not . IME , when it comes to refreshing an edge , less is more . 5 "X" strokes on my Shapton 15k is all that's needed . I think you should practice the "X" stroke with the razor you're restoring , using one hand only . Once you think you have it down , take your good razor , and give it 5 very light "X" stokes on your Norton 8k , then give it 5 very light "X" strokes on your 16k . Strop it up and see how it shaves .

It sounds like you didn't destroy the edge at least, that's
a good start! The honing technique will come in time. I
would recommend perusing the wiki for technique tips,
but I'll throw in some of my own:

- Don't worry about low spots in the corners, you won't
be honing there anyways

- I wouldn't leave a slurry from the nagura stone on the
Shapton, just water is all you need for honing

- Keeping the blade flat on the stone with one hand is
about balancing the razor between your thumb and index
finger on the shank, and pinky and ring finger underneath
the scales. Holding your elbow up while you hone seems
to help with this

Good luck!

- Scott

20 laps on the Shapton does sound a bit excessive. Assuming that your hone is flat, test after increments of 5 (like stated above, using ultra light x strokes) using the TPT at first. You should see almost immediate improvement. Once your edge is nice and sticky sharp try a shave test. If your razor doesn't respond well to a high grit finisher there is either something wrong with your technique, your hone or the edge is too far gone for the particular hone. In that case you would have to drop down to 8k level or do a small pyramid before going back to your high grit hone.

I don't know that starting out with a nagura (slurry) is a good idea. Lapping's a great idea, though. Uh, do you have a microscope for checking out the edge and the scratch pattern (or lack thereof) of the bevel?

Get a DMT 8C for lapping, the problem with your lapping stone, is that it needs lapping too.
The edge right off the 16k can be a little harsh, a few laps on CrOX smooths it out nicely.
When I lapped my Shaptons I found they all to be very flat, they didn't need much lapping at all.

Oh Dammit!! No wonder I couldn't get any results.. I used the glass side....I am a dumb ass..

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Oh Dammit!! No wonder I couldn't get any results.. I used the glass side....I am a dumb ass..

Lol, are you serious?

Originally Posted by Blix

Lol, are you serious?

yea....I really am....not kidding...I really brain farted and tried to sharpen it on the glass side....I don't know, it made sense at the time..

Originally Posted by Wintchase

yea....I really am....not kidding...I really brain farted and tried to sharpen it on the glass side....I don't know, it made sense at the time..

Oh my. Well, now you are in for a treat though!