Finally got a good edge...

[mspeel63]

After trying and re-trying for the last week or so, I was finally able to get an eBay to pass the HHT!!! After the initial clean-up and sharpening with a combination notron 4k/8k, the hair grabbed all along the shaft, but would not quite cut the hair. So, I kept working on the edge with the stone and got it to the point that it dide everything BUT slice the hair (passed the thumbnail and thumb-pad test - to the point of actually slicing my thumb with VERY little pressure). So, I then took the blade to the strop. I gave it a good 40 passes on the linen then took to the leather. After a good stropping on the leather (didn't bother to count the strokes) I gave the HHT another try and SUCCESS!!! I tried about a dozen times, at various points along the blade, and each was successful.

With my newly honed blade in had it was time for the shave. WOW, what a difference a truly fine edge makes!!!

Now I can't wait for ny latest eBay find to arrive so that I can start another blade!!!

- Mike

[FiReSTaRT]

WTG Mike! Now just wait until you get to pasted paddle strops and/or finishing hones

[bg42]

good on ya, the first is always the hardest to get right usually, now that you have some idea of what honing entails you are now on your way ,and with that sense of achievement,there should be no holding you back
well done
Kind regards Peter

[xman]

I hate to be the one to bust your bubble, but what you're really shooting for is HHT right off the hone, not off the finishing strop. It's accomplished by gradually and evenly easing off the pressure at the end of the pyramid to nearly nothing and it takes practice. Still, congrats on the progress.

X

[AFDavis11]

Congrats! I agree with X, you should be able to get it even sharper. BTW, perhaps your doing the thumbpad test in the wrong direction, it shouldn't slice your thumb.

A good edge makes a world of difference though doesn't it?