Thread: It's Finished: Honing Razors and Kamisori

Thanks very much for all the kind words. It was a true pleasure to do, and it's very gratifying to finally have people read and appreciate it.

The bits on the use of slurry and a nagura are worth a revisit.
I also like the bit on stropping where the flex is at the spine
and not on the edge (page 14). It is 'obvious' yet I have never
seen it stated.

The discussion on angles in how to use a western razor are spot on.

Good stuff... !

I MADE A MISTAKE.

It was inevitable, but this is a pretty big one.

On my recent visit to Iwasaki-san, I asked him about the particularly confusing section, 3.5 Edge Finishing.

What I translated as "standing" should have been translated as "lengthwise." In my defense, the word is the same...anyway.

Instead of honing the razor standing, you hone it flat but pull it parallel to the edge...meaning, not forward or backward, but sideways, 1mm or 2mm.

I'm updating the translation, but I think everyone's already downloaded it that is going to...anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know I screwed up.

Not a mistake, just clarification of an ambiguity. Your work is gratefully recieved. Thank you.

Originally Posted by JimR

I MADE A MISTAKE.

It was inevitable, but this is a pretty big one.

On my recent visit to Iwasaki-san, I asked him about the particularly confusing section, 3.5 Edge Finishing.

What I translated as "standing" should have been translated as "lengthwise." In my defense, the word is the same...anyway.

Instead of honing the razor standing, you hone it flat but pull it parallel to the edge...meaning, not forward or backward, but sideways, 1mm or 2mm.

I'm updating the translation, but I think everyone's already downloaded it that is going to...anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know I screwed up.

Somehow I read the revision in the initial translation.

Perhaps because I have done this same thing with
a Coticule slurry stone and obtained deluxe results.
Now I know that it was not a fluke.

I risk messing up the market but I think I will
be shopping for some Jnat slurry stones for this
reason.

Again Jim thanks for the translation.

Here's an updated translation link: Honing Razors and Nihonkamisori

Or the updated paragraph:

Using just the weight of the blade, very very lighly pull the razor about one or two millimeters in a direction parallel to the razor's edge [i.e. instead of edge leading or spine leading, move the razor slightly back and forth perpendicular to the stone.--JDR]. Don't move any further than that. On the off chance that you move too much, or use too much pressure, you will remove too much steel and you'll create another false edge. In that case, you should go back and repeat step (4). This technique is very delicate, and requires a lot of practice.

Originally Posted by JimR

Here's an updated translation link: Honing Razors and Nihonkamisori

Or the updated paragraph:

Using just the weight of the blade, very very lighly pull the razor about one or two millimeters in a direction parallel to the razor's edge [i.e. instead of edge leading or spine leading, move the razor slightly back and forth perpendicular to the stone.--JDR]. Don't move any further than that. On the off chance that you move too much, or use too much pressure, you will remove too much steel and you'll create another false edge. In that case, you should go back and repeat step (4). This technique is very delicate, and requires a lot of practice.

Awesome. Now I see it. Perfectly clear.

Thank you SO much Jim on showing us Mr. Iwasaki's writings.

Jim, I finally downloaded and printed this today. I quickly skimmed the document and already I'm looking forward to reading/studying/incorporating this information. Thank you very much for preserving and passing on this information.

Jim this was an awesome read, and Thank You for the work you did and it looks like you are still doing...

Thanks for all the kind words, gentlemen. The book is indeed interesting, but it doesn't half compare to the education I got just talking to Iwasaki-san and Mizuochi-san for a day or two.

It's going to take me a while to get it all in a meaningful form to show others though.