Thread: Please help!

Can I ask this group what you all use to see if the bevel is set? I am assuming most people just shave some arm or leg hair to see how easy it is. I should probably just do this I guess.

1st guess is the bevel is not set completely, my test at 1k is seeing if it cuts arm hair at skin level easily and uniformly heel to toe.

2nd guess would be over honing and the edge crumbles during the right side pass.

3rd guess would be like Utopian said in the above post, maybe the non dominate hand is giving you control issues. I would also say try the left side first next time

Originally Posted by rodb

1st guess is the bevel is not set completely, my test at 1k is seeing if it cuts arm hair at skin level easily and uniformly heel to toe.

2nd guess would be over honing and the edge crumbles during the right side pass.

3rd guess would be like Utopian said in the above post, maybe the non dominate hand is giving you control issues. I would also say try the left side first next time

Well I appreciate all the input. I really didn't expect everyone to be this helpful thank you. I will hit the stones tonight and try the arm hair test to see if I can get them to pop at skin level. I assume this should be done with water on the arm correct? I will update this post so if anyone else has this issue they can resolve it quickly.

Originally Posted by Utopian

First, what is the razor?

Have you had this issue with just one razor or with more?

Are you taping the spine or not?

The third question is the most important but the all are relevant.

Bevel can be tested multiple ways, but you need experience and find what works for you. I look at the edge straight down to see anything other than the two bevels meeting in a line. No speckles of light or any other irregularities. This is after getting the bevels uniform looking from a perpendicular perspective. I do shave a little arm hair (Dry), but mine is weird and has to be done just right. TPT is alright for me, though my thumb sensitivity is not the greatest from many years of injuries.

Test dry, you won't feel the pop if it's wet

Originally Posted by TJB

Well I appreciate all the input. I really didn't expect everyone to be this helpful thank you. I will hit the stones tonight and try the arm hair test to see if I can get them to pop at skin level. I assume this should be done with water on the arm correct? I will update this post so if anyone else has this issue they can resolve it quickly.

Originally Posted by Utopian

The third question is the most important but the all are relevant.

Yes I am taping the spine but I tried a couple times without it taped.

Originally Posted by TJB

I have been able to put a good edge on a Hart steel razor but not my full or extra hollows. I heard these are supposed to be easier to hone!

You may be flexing the blade due to excessive pressure, causing the edge to lift off of the hone. How often are you changing the tape? Are you using fresh tape as you move up to the next hone?

Originally Posted by Utopian

You may be flexing the blade due to excessive pressure, causing the edge to lift off of the hone. How often are you changing the tape? Are you using fresh tape as you move up to the next hone?

Ok I think everyone is on to something. I examined the blade in a perpendicular view with my loupe of the razors I could not successfully hone vs the one Hart steel I got a beautiful edge on. The Hart had no visible line and no reflexions or "stars." The Boker silver steel I could see a reflection staring back at me. I will say that whoever suggested this was on to something. I believe I did not set the bevel correct like another gentleman said just because the razor passed the TNT. I just got done honing the boker again tonight but I stayed on the 1k until the line disappeared and then I tried the arm hair test and it comfortably shaved the DRY hair off my arm. Only then did I proceed up the stones to the Suehiro 20k. I will update tomorrow with the shave wish me luck .

Oh yes and I taped the spine and replaced the tape after every stone.

i have had this issue before. Your making the edge very thin and fragile. It has no backbone. Happens more one hollow or extra hollow grinds. Try to set bevel with less strokes. Maybe do 1/2 of what your doing on the 1k and then check if bevel is set. So sneak up on the bevel. Also when you get to the 8k or 12k shave test and see if the edge crumbles before going to the 20k. When you do the TNT test your actually killing the edge so do 5-10 laps to bring it back and then go through your progression. Remember there is no exact lap or stroke count. Lynn only gives you a rough template. Doing circles moves a lot of steel. Depending on how far out your bevel is maybe X strokes will set bevel.