Thread: Newbie honing on a DMT poor results

Hi guys,

I got a DMT Extra-Extra Fine hone to touch up my shaveable but not-ideal Theirs-Issard SR. This razor was new in September and I had been shaving with its factory edge and stropping. Well I put some soapy water on the hone and did about 6 light strokes back and forth with no X-pattern (because the entire blade fit across the hone I didn't think it was necessary). I then stropped the blade for 30+ strokes on canvas with theirs-issard stop paste, then followed with leather for 50 strokes. I lathered and shaved with this, and it seemed different--perhaps duller. So I went back to the hone and did another 10 to 15 stokes. I tried to cut some arm hair at this point and it failed. I assumed my technique must be at fault and that if I did some more strokes on the hone it would sharpen up.

I was wrong. 20 stokes later I noticed that I was wearing a nice uneven pattern on both sides of the blade. I drew permanent market on the edge and did another couple strokes and confirmed my suspicion--the blade was honing unevenly. It seems to have a smile in it, because it wears close to the tang on one side, but close to the end of the blade on the other.

I did some reading and found that perhaps a rolling X-pattern could help with this. I started trying that and it seems to have evened out the wear pattern a bit but not completely. It is still quite dull and will not shave hair off my arm.

My questions to your community are the following:
1.) Should I stop right now and just send this blade to a pro for honing?
2.) Have I damaged the blade?
3.) Should I continue with the rolling X-pattern and see if things improve?
4.) If I continue, should I tape the heel with electrical tape? (Plus, what does this do exactly?)

Thanks for your input!

That DMT is no where near fine enough to touch up a shave ready razor! It may be useful for setting a bevel but most around here won't go below an 8K stone for touchups.

Catrentshaving is 100% correct!!

Please send that blade out for a Professional honing!! You won't believe the difference between factory and custom honing!!

Please add your location as you never know, there may be help right down the road!!

While I do most of my own honing, I do have a favorite Pro! PM me!

This DMT D8EE is a 3 micron / 8000 mesh stone, which I thought was equivalent to an 8000k stone. I read about people recommending the D8EE and a chromium oxide stop for beginners, and figured that would be okay for touching up my razor. Prior to shipping my razor out somewhere, should I do more rolling-X pattern on this and then move to a Naniwa 12k stone? I have a friend in town with a Naniwa 12K that I could try.

You need better stones than DMT.
DMT are made for tools and such not for razors.

Definitely send your razor out for honing to get an idea what a shave ready edge feels like.

Originally Posted by HooDude

This DMT D8EE is a 3 micron / 8000 mesh stone, which I thought was equivalent to an 8000k stone. I read about people recommending the D8EE and a chromium oxide stop for beginners, and figured that would be okay for touching up my razor. Prior to shipping my razor out somewhere, should I do more rolling-X pattern on this and then move to a Naniwa 12k stone? I have a friend in town with a Naniwa 12K that I could try.

My suggestion is to not do anything more with the razor, if it became duller than before then you are probably damaging it more than honing it.
As far as the grit ratings what really matters is the type of abrasives. Diamonds cut very deep, deeper than typical abrasives in synthetic stones, so the edge feels rough.
I am not sure who gives advise on honing on DMT, but the collective experience on the forum shows that they are not good for razor, and as I said above they are not meant for razors but for tools and knives.

You have been receiving some Very Sound and Good Counsel! :

Please send it out to a Pro!

Originally Posted by HooDude

...
My questions to your community are the following:
1.) Should I stop right now and just send this blade to a pro for honing?
...!

Absolutely yes!

Maybe the wiki should be updated then What hone(s), paste(s), or spray(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki as it recommends the DMT D8EE and a CromOx strop for beginners...

Originally Posted by HooDude

Maybe the wiki should be updated then What hone(s), paste(s), or spray(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki as it recommends the DMT D8EE and a CromOx strop for beginners...

I agree it seems confusing, not to mention that set up has not been recommended in a while , at least I can't remember seeing that.
DMT is typically used to lap other hones (DMT 325), or for bevel work DMT 600 /1200 grits.