Thread: took a look at my edge w/microscope

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Yes you do a standard pyramid. I just did it the way it was described in the pyramid for Nortons article several times over until I'd finally get the blade shave ready. On a bad note, I only learned about the benefits of sandpaper AFTER I got the Norton. It's extra helpful with these slow-cutting stones because once you already have a bevel established and/or cleaned up, you've done lion's share of the honing work.

Got it, thanks. I'll get the material and go to work. I'll let you know how I make out. It's the first time for this so it should be interesting. Funny thing is, for having a nick and a slight inward curve, I've been getting pretty good shaves. I know how the nick got there but I'm not sure about the curving. If I'm successful with this, I should have one mighty fine shave afterward.

What do you mean by "inward curve"? Maybe it's something we can correct.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

What do you mean by "inward curve"? Maybe it's something we can correct.

Hard to explain: I look at the edge with a microscope and I get a fairly straight line ( a little jagged but I would expect that). Going along it starts to curve inward (thing like a small frown) then back up to the original line:

------\____/------ then the actual nick a littel further down:

----\/-----

I still use the slip stones, Firestart turned me on to them when I first started. I use them by setting them one atop the other at the edge of a table, on a towel. They work well, but I end up using about three to four times the recommended number of strokes for the Norton. Sooner or later I might have to pony up for the Norton but not just yet!

Originally Posted by Wildtim

I still use the slip stones, Firestart turned me on to them when I first started. I use them by setting them one atop the other at the edge of a table, on a towel. They work well, but I end up using about three to four times the recommended number of strokes for the Norton. Sooner or later I might have to pony up for the Norton but not just yet!

I think they will be a good option for my current budget and as long as I manage good technique the extra strokes will just help to set the proper movements into memory.

I'm glad they're working out for you Tim. These slip-stones are perfectly fine if you don't want to hone dozens upon dozens of blades. If you only do one in a blue moon they'll do just fine especially if you remember:
1) Sand paper is your best friend!
2) To finish off the edge you will need a finishing hone or another fine abrasive like 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide. I shaved straight off the 8k slip but it wasn't nearly as comfortable as it is now.

Speaking of sand-paper, it can also help you correct a frown quickly and easily. First check what the edge will look like when you remove the nick. If a bit of the frown is still left, just press down on the areas away from it to wear them down even with it and hone straight across.

OK - here's kind of what it looks like. I found this picture in the SRP library and I'm excited that most of my blade looks like this picture which is a picture of an edge after proper stropping and ready to shave.

I added the black lines to show a better idea of what I see in the microscope

This one will disappear together with the nick.

The nick I got by banging against the faucet, I think the frown happened while I was using the pasted paddle. It's quite narrow and I've never really gotten the hang of it and I think I let the razor drop a little instead of keeping it perfectly flat. But I'm not sure.

I've been thinking of just getting a barber's hone for those necessary touchups every 5-15 shaves because it's a little wider than my paddle.

I've never used a narrow paddle. Currently using a 3.25x12" Chromium Oxide covered leather-suraced monstrosity. Since I have a barber's hone I'll probably experiment a bit with it I just have several other projects lined up. Maybe I should treat my face with Rogaine

One good things about these slip-stones is that you can use them to lap each other