Thread: Diamond spray

So I had a Wester Bros that was reasonably sharp but truly shave ready. It needed a touch up to restore it to its previous and very sharp condition. I stripped on .5 micron for 25 strokes, then .25 and leather for another 25 strokes each. And it actual seems duller. Have any of you had this problem? Any ideas? This is my first time using diamond spray. Was applied to a hard pressed felt modular strip (6 total sprays) and left for 2 days before using.

It is possible the edge was beyond the capabilities of the diamond spray to repair.
A second possibility is the pressure used during stropping was greater than needed, and the edge rolled.

Thanks mainaman. I have a loupe coming this week so I'll inspect the edge and see if I rolled it.

I'm new to honing, and diamond sprays and having a hard time learning the ropes.

Yup, too much pressure. Remember a pasted strop is an abrasive strop and a Diamond pasted strop is possibly the most abrasive strop, so if you add pressure while stropping, you will quickly loose the edge.

Stropping with too much pressure is most probably how you lost the edge.

Magnification will show you what is happening to your edges, without it you are experimenting blindly.

Assuming I rolled the edge, and based on the comments, I'll bet I did... What is the corrective action? Honing on 4k, 8k, 12k or just light stripping with diamond spray?

Depend on how badly the edge is damaged, proper stropping on .50 Diamond may bring it back, if not, 20 light finish laps on a 12 or 8k should. If chipped, (rolled then broken off), you may have to go to the 4k.

Look straight down on the edge with magnification for shiny spots, then from the side to see how large the chips are. It is best to begin conservatively and progressively move to coarser grits.

But if you have a true 12K or good 8K, you can easily correct a damaged edge and re-set the bevel. Since the bevels are already flat, all you are doing is setting a new edge. Look down on the edge until you no longer see the shiny spots.

Strop lightly, weight of the blade and keep the spine on the strop at all times.