Thread: finishing straight razors

Hi there guys. Just wondering, I have been playing witch a straight razor and finally got a respectable bevel but cant get that mirror like finish, my question is, can I ever get that finish using just stones or should I be using pastes aswell?

Dan

First things first, is it a shaveable edge you have? If so then don't worry too much, we all chase perfection and get better with time. There could be a number of factors preventing the mirror, but if the edge is there then it is just fine tuning. Paste might help, but if the edge isn't shaveable don't focus on polishing as polishing a dull edge will only give you a reflective dull edge. One thing you could try is stropping on newspaper, if you have a good edge, I find newspaper really good at polishing.

The edge got to the point it was pulling quite a bit and as I started to learn with this razor a few months back I probably rolled the edge. The edge looks fine so it was just a case of refining the edge slightly to get a great shave again. I used to sharpen kitchen knives and finished those to a mirror using 6000 grit. I have gone 20 8000 with the razor though and have yet to achieve what I can call even a remote reflective surface

Hi Daniel

It would help if you would list the grit of the stones you are using. Also, are you taping the spine, number of strokes, etc. Give us the lowdown on how you approach your honing.

8k with a razor is only really entry level sharp, yes a nice edge can be achieved, but there can still be a long way to go. As per rolodaves response some more details about your hone progression could help

OK. I am using tape on the spine. I started on 4000 grit did 30 strokes and the inspected the edge. I sore that the edge looked level and it seemed to have "ground" evenly so moved up to 6000 grit and did 50 strokes then inspected I was happy so moved up to 8000 grit. I did 10 laps and inspected and was waiting to see a mirror I am now about 50 p assess in which seems a little excessive and still no shine.

When I set the bevel I used tape on the spine and used 600 grit to start the 1000. I can't remember how many passes it took if I am honest. I have done the edge on my brothers dovo a few times with little to no hassle. It's just my darn one lol

Are using just water or do you use a slurry?

If you start with a taped spine you have to use tape through the entire sequence of hones. I would also suggest you replace the tape at the first sign of hone wear. I always replace the tape after the bevel set.

Do you have a loupe to inspect the bevel? You can buy online a usable loupe for under $10US.

Here is a link to find members near you. One should be able to help you with this problem blade.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

I wasn't using a slurry. I do not have a loupe unfortunately