Originally Posted by
AFDavis11
Sounds like you've been having some fun over there . . .
So, let us know how a shave test goes with the better cutter.
Sounds like you've done up both razors well. Take the lesser cutter and try a few more 8k passes with a light touch.
But first, its lapping time again. Yup, you've already dished it into a little concave puddle. Apply pencil marks and the lap a little. 8K only and lightly.
Three words: patience, practice, and light strokes. OK, thats four words. The idea at this point may be to just keep at it, but . . .
Also, you can draw a line along on the 8K with pencil and use only 2/3 of the stone. Then heat the blade up in hot water (like you'd shave in) and use an x pattern in a more vertical stroke. So your pulling the blade as much downward as you are across. That way the edge is less likely to crumble on you because your honing into itself more. Which should answer one of your other questions if you think about it for a while. Your honing the edge supported by the spine and the blade body (this might be hard to visualize, just yet). Think of the fragile edge using the sections of the edge next to it to support it as you hone. So, we are cutting now but in a more shearing action.
While were at it, since you hold the razor by the shank you have no choice, simply based on physics, to use more pressure on the lower end of the razor. The x pattern compensates for the greater honing action from your touching the shank by honing the tip more during the stroke. Ofcourse, if every stroke were perfect you could hone down the stone, but if every stroke were perfect . . . well as they say, you wouldn't be in this mess....sorry j/k. :) But the physics behind why a x stroke is so critical at this stage are pretty complex to understand, and may not help much.
Also, test both razors now after stropping. Again, check the edge with the thumbprint and see if you can feel the difference between the edges you say cut differently on your arm hair. Pretty soon, you'll know more about honing then I do...
Finally, if after say 15 more strokes on 8K the lesser cutter doesn't respond, try one pass on 4K and work your way back to where you are now. It must be a very light pass and keep the razor flat.
Post again and keep having fun!