Thread: New Arkansas stones...

Stiction only means that the bevel you are honing is flat or partially flat. It does not necessarily mean the bevels are meeting fully or that the edge is straight or not chipped.

Look at the edge…

A bevel is fully set, when the bevels are flat, in the correct plane, (bevel angle) and meeting in a straight, chip free edge.

Stiction is very subjective, and reliant on a number of variables, that you feel it or don’t, tells you nothing about the edge.

Originally Posted by Marshal

While I don't dispute this, if there's a problem exists that can be found under magnification does that not also mean that blade (at least in theory) doesn't feel as good as it could?

Yes that is exactly what it means...

What it also means is that a good "Looking" bevel under magnification does not always equate to a comfortable shave..

I wouldn't say the PHIG is harsh as much as I would say it's created an edge MUCH more keen than I am used to. I can tell with a lighter touch and proper blade angle it will make for a gooday shave. For the record, I'm getting the same effect from a Norton 8K - it's the shaver (me) not the stone.

As for the blade sticking to the stone, when I saw light I mean a little drag. When I say heavy, it's like the blade is glued to the Soft/Hard Ark and will skip/jump if I'm not careful in application of force.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Yes that is exactly what it means...

What it also means is that a good "Looking" bevel under magnification does not always equate to a comfortable shave..

Ah, now I'm picking up what you're putting down. Thanks for clarifying.