Thread: Straight Razor Hell

I don't know what to tell you , but Randy gave me a tip some years ago, shave when it is ready at the 8k level If the shave is good, go on up the grit ladder. If it is not, the razor needs more work before progressing. This was good for me because, at the time, I was honing by rote and would take edges past 8k that weren't really ready to go there, and I'd be trying to figure out where I was going wrong. I don't know if that is where you are but it is amazing how good an 8k shave can be.

Originally Posted by guitstik

Try not using the slurry and just run through a normal progression to see what happens. I very rarely use a slurry.

I only use a slurry with my jnat

Generating lots of slurry violently may cause larger poarticles to break off the main stone or tomo. After the 16k, you dont need a large slurry though as a large slurry will set the edge back.

I see what your saying (JimmyHad) but I shave with the grain and then against the grain so I need super sharp and smooth edges , especially shaving upwards on the top lip.
Thinking about it my problems have started since going from Shobu to Nakayama

Originally Posted by bill3152

Generating lots of slurry violently may cause larger poarticles to break off the main stone or tomo. After the 16k, you dont need a large slurry though as a large slurry will set the edge back.

thanks...good advise

Job15
I know that Bill is leading you in the right direction. Don't spank your tomonagura, it really likes you alot. Doubleing up on Lynn's guide might be part of your micro chipping. More is not necessarly better. Try fewer strokes because your stones might be cutting (removing previous scratches) faster than you think. After all a progression of finishing is simple removing the previous scratches, that is all. If your 5k removes the previous 1k scratches with 10 strokes. Why do 20?.

When you add too many strokes to your initial bevel set razor, the flatness of the bevel can become exagerated, the edge can take on the look of a tongue, a false edge may represent your cutting edge-therefore a weak edge, you waste steel and stone. I suggest that you find out "how few strokes" will hone your razors, not how much is the most I can do in one sitting.


Good Luck
Alx

Originally Posted by alx

Job15
I know that Bill is leading you in the right direction. Don't spank your tomonagura, it really likes you alot. Doubleing up on Lynn's guide might be part of your micro chipping. More is not necessarly better. Try fewer strokes because your stones might be cutting (removing previous scratches) faster than you think. After all a progression of finishing is simple removing the previous scratches, that is all. If your 5k removes the previous 1k scratches with 10 strokes. Why do 20?.

When you add too many strokes to your initial bevel set razor, the flatness of the bevel can become exagerated, the edge can take on the look of a tongue, a false edge may represent your cutting edge-therefore a weak edge, you waste steel and stone. I suggest that you find out "how few strokes" will hone your razors, not how much is the most I can do in one sitting.


Good Luck
Alx

Thanks,
I only double up on the 1k circles and strokes.
And I do always try the minimum it takes to get a sticky to the touch edge.
Do you think I should drop the 16k from my progression?
Thanks for your advise ill take all of what every one has told me , mull it over and devise a plan for tomorrow

Not answering for Alex BUT the edge degradation is happening on the Nakayama. I would look there first.

+1 on what alx said. I am a minimalist in just about everything including honing. Depending on how bad off the razor is to begin with you may not even need to start with the 1K. I have taken reground blades with no edge up to a fine bevel starting off with a 4K. Do you have a jewelers loupe? if not, get one it will help to see what is going on with the edge. Ok, that was probably stupid on my part otherwise how else would you know that you are getting micro chipping but it never hurts to cover ALL bases.

Originally Posted by guitstik

+1 on what alx said. I am a minimalist in just about everything including honing. Depending on how bad off the razor is to begin with you may not even need to start with the 1K. I have taken reground blades with no edge up to a fine bevel starting off with a 4K. Do you have a jewelers loupe? if not, get one it will help to see what is going on with the edge. Ok, that was probably stupid on my part otherwise how else would you know that you are getting micro chipping but it never hurts to cover ALL bases.

I am with you guys, you might be overcooking with the Nakayama with your slurry mix, with the fantastic synthetics these days the old 1k like I use are almost obsolete for most jobs. Remember that circle strokes remove a lot of steel fast.
Alx