Thread: Pyramid or Circle method for newbie?

So I just got my Norton 4K/8K waterstone. It has been lapped and is ready to get started with my first hone project. I have a 5/8 carbon steel razor that needs a "touchup". I have watched Lynn Abram's video on the Circle method and read everything I can find on the Pyramid method. my question is this.... Which is better for a touchup and which would be better for an Ebay razor?

How have you determined that you ONLY need a touch-up? Are you sure that there is a proper bevel set on the edge? Determining which method to use would depend on an accurate assessment of the edge.

Good question! This particular razor was honed professionally as a new razor. I know that the Honemaster did not use tape on the spine. That is all that I know for sure. Should I assume that I need to set the bevel?

You say that the razor was professionally honed. Have you tried to shave with the razor to know if is properly honed?

I have approx. 30 shaves with this razor. It still shaves adequately but not as well as it did. Where I am not terribly clear is the method of touching up vs a complete overhaul. The circle method looks like a good way to aggressively set a bevel with the 4k then polish with 6-8 light x strokes on the 8k. although the pyramid method looks like it might be better to touchup. I have not tried either. I am pretty good with my hands and have confidence I will pick this up quickly, but want to start correctly. So... which method would be better suited to a touchup?

So... which method would be better suited to a touchup?
___________________________________
______________________________

Probably the circle method. Try that and if not, try the pyramid .

Great! Thanks for the input. I will try it tonight.

I like the pyramid method for refreshing a razor myself, after your 4K - 8K Norton what do you finally finish on? I don't use Norton hones so I refresh using my Chosera 5K then my Naniwa Snow white 8K then finish with 30 light strokes on the Naniwa 12K.

Is that your only razor ? What I did was keep my pro honed razors away from hones until I got fair to middlin with ebay specials (in good shape). I would suggest 4 or 5 x-strokes lightly on the 8k and strop and shave. See where that leaves it. If that doesn't do it try a small pyramid is what I would do.

It is my first razor. I have been shaving with it exclusively since I started on this addictive journey. I recently purchased a vintage 11/16 Robeson Shuredge. it is in good shape but not shave ready. I need to touch up my old standby and then move on to the minor restoration. Just thought it might be smart to try the light duty work before I jump into the deep end. If I know me, I will have ten of these things in no time. I have in the last few weeks finally achieved a very good shave on a regular basis. That is why I have moved on to this stage in the game.