Thread: Questions from an idiot

I've been using a Norton 4k/8k to try and get my razor to a sharp enough condition to last longer than 3 shaves before needing to be rehoned.

Lynn has been helping me with pyramids and such (big Thank You, Lynn) and each time I hone, strop and shave it seems to be a good shave: no pulling, close but not BBS, little razor burn.

Then I get the idea that it's not quite there yet because I can go over the same spots 3 times in 3 different directions and not get it really close.

I go back to the hone, then a .5 pasted paddle and the result is: duller edge.

In essence, if I don't use the paste I get a better edge and all in all, I feel like I'm almost there. I just want to tweak the edge a little more sharply so....

Here are my questions:

1. At some points during the pyramid when I try to flip the razor, I notice a little suction (as if the stone doesn't want to release the blade). Is this just because of the water or because of too much pressure on the user's part?

2. After honing, I take it to the strop. When I stop to flip the razor, I will get a sticky feeling on the edge and a little "ting" sound. (not always but it seems to happen after I've done several stokes already). Is this evidence of too much pressure?


I'll also say that I'm learning to distinguish between "pulling" and resistance, meaning that I don't think the blade is pulling my hairs so much as just a natural resistance when one object (razor) meets another (whiskers). The blade is beginning to slice through fairly easily.

Steve, I'll let those with more experience address most of your questions, but Lynn did put up a tip on stropping and the "ting" sound. I think its in the stropping section. I believe the "ting" may be an issue. take a look.

Jordan

1. Suction is good - it shows you are getting there. It can happen with almost no pressure from the user for a keen / approaching keen edge

2. I am a bit worried about what you describe as it almost sounds as if the razor is about to nick your strop... but I am not sure - someone else should be more helpful

Cheers
Ivo

PS No need of calling yourself this - everyone has had to learn this stuff one way or another. Give yourself credit for even trying

That does sound like too much pressure. You really don't need any pressure on the strop as long as it's making contact. As for the suction like Izlat said I wouldn't worry about it because that's normal. It's because of the shape of the razor and the fluids used in honing.

I'll look for that article on the ting. Let me describe the stropping technique:

1. very light pressure.
2. I don't use an X patter as I have a 3" wide strop so the whole blade stays on the strop.
3. I stop an the end of each stroke (up, stop, down, stop)
4. gently roll the razor on the spine
5. the blade stays flat the entire trip up and back
6. the "ting' is not a ringing sound as you might get from flicking a crystal glass but rather a subtle sound (think dragging your thumbpad across a sharp edge and getting a little friction sound)

I'm sorry, maybe "ting" was the wrong description but the only thing that made sense to me at the time.

You do want a "rasping" sound. A ringing or vibrating sound is bad according to Lynn's tip.

Jordan

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

That does sound like too much pressure. You really don't need any pressure on the strop as long as it's making contact. As for the suction like Izlat said I wouldn't worry about it because that's normal. It's because of the shape of the razor and the fluids used in honing.

Is that right? No pressure on the strop at all? It looks like people are pulling on the strop a lot from several videos I've seen, but I still see it sagging as the razor is drawn across the leather-- tells me they're putting a lot of pressure on it.

Pressure on the strop is a mystic art. You need lots of practice, and if you can go visit someone who's good at it in person.

Much in stropping depends on feel of the particular razor on the particular strop. Actually, many people start with moderate pressure on strop for 10 or so passes, and then go lighter, untill they do 10 feather passes.

While I am no stropmaster, I may or may not apply pressure to the strop and vary the pull / sag depending on how I feel. For some razors I have only needed to strop very lightly, for others I have applied quite some pressure. Both with good results.

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by jnich67

You do want a "rasping" sound. A ringing or vibrating sound is bad according to Lynn's tip.

Jordan

I do get the rasping sound on the trip. The other sound is only when I stop and lift the edge off the strop to roll it (on the spine) in preparation for the opposite trip.

I will make sure to observe the amount of pressure on the blade to see if I am putting more than I think I am.

Do not stop the razor on the strop, ever. Keep it in forward motion and roll it as it moves forward. It should touch down again on the strop as you begin the return movement. Use light pressure at first. You can use a touch of pressure as you learn when and why to use extra pressure. Its a sign of a dull edge.

Please feel free to describe how you use .5 paste. If that alone dulls the razor then stop. But we can fix that too if we know more info.

Hone suction is a good thing, its simple cohesion between a smoothing bevel and the hone grit.