Have any of you gents ever tried honing with a high-grit sandpaper before?
I'm new to straight razor shaving, so I'd appreciate any thoughts on this idea...
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Have any of you gents ever tried honing with a high-grit sandpaper before?
I'm new to straight razor shaving, so I'd appreciate any thoughts on this idea...
I've not, but I understand it can be done, in a pinch. As far as I'm aware it's usually followed by pasted strops, to give a smother shave.
If you were to try, ensure you have a nice true flat surface & use wet & dry paper.
I'm sure experts will be along.
That has come up before and I don't remember the reasons but those who had tried it weren't happy with the result.
it has been done .The only reason for it is cheap price. Can you do it yes . must keep it perfect flat surface for sandpaper. gl
I know some people use lapping films at higher grits and sandpaper at lower grits. You need to make sure you have a flat surface and that the paper is stretched out really well so it doesn't bunch and round your edge.
Well I gave it a try with my Dovo on some 1,500-2,000 grit 3M paper and I'll be darned... it worked!!! :y
The previously unhoned Beast that once mauled my face can now shave :)
It's not as sharp as my replaceable blade straight (of course), but it can basically compare to it's 3rd shave performance.
I think I'll go hunting for some finer grit stuff this weekend and see how sharp I can get this thing...
There is sand paper and there is sand paper.Quote:
Originally Posted by ben.mid
The fine grit abrasive films supported on glass or
other flat base can do a good job. It is also possible
to get diamond on film as fine as micron and
submicron grades (3M). The silicon carbide films
are more available, work fine and are less expensive.
Use the web and search for "PinnacleŽ Honing Guide"
and for "scary sharp".
They cut very fast. With care they can be used to replace all
but the finer finishing hones, IMO.
Aside from the specialty stuff, the same is also true of regular sandpaper. For example, I tried starting from scratch with 2000 grit sandpaper of an unknown variety and had poor results. Did the exact same thing (lots of circles at first) with P2000 grit SIA sandpaper and was extremely pleased with the results. Seems like the abrasive broke down as I was using it and produced a finer and finer edge. I could shave pretty well right off of it, and even better after using my finishing hones.Quote:
Originally Posted by niftyshaving
I shaved for a few months off of sandpaper up to 2000 grit I "wetted" to make stick to my desktop. Then a 1/2" wide Spyderco "fine" stone out of their Sharpmaker device. Followed with a TON of stropping on some balsa strops with hardware store jeweler's rouge and some homemade strops made from saddle cinch strap.
Point is, yep...it can be done.
It doesn't begin to compare with the edges I shave with now...but I've spent some money and a lot of time since then. 16k shapton, *good* Chromium Oxide, and better honing technique go a long way.
Those early edges left me pretty irritated. Nowadays, well lets just say I'm happier. But it sure can be done with a lot less than most of us use.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kenny1775
I see you are located in Canada, if you happen to be near a Lee Valley store, they carry a large selection of sandpaper and lapping film.
I understand they make really REALLY fine sandpaper you can use to hone your razors, but honestly, if you're going to invest the money in sheets of sandpaper, you might as well get a stone that will last you for decades IMO.
But I hear it can be done if you really want to go that route.
I have been using this for my woodworking tools. I just got my first straight razor, a Gold Dollar and decided to go with what I know for sharpening. I started at 400 grit with some honing oil and worked up to 1200 grit, then realized I had run out of higher grits. But at 1200 it will take hair off of my arm with no problem. Not ready to try that on my face yet but the paper does work very well.
I like the Scary Sharp system, it is fairly cheap to get into and gives great results. I will be picking up some 5, 1, and .3 micron paper in the next day or two so I will post the results.
I'm trying to be a little more careful with my sharpening on my razor than I am with my tools because my chisels don't get anywhere near my face!
One other thing... If you can get it find a piece of granite that is flat it works the best for your base. MDF will work in a pinch but the granite doesn't absorb moisture and stays flat.
I normally try to discourage people from using sandpaper to hone razors as I see significant problems from those who have damaged their razors with sandpaper and then sent them to me for repair.
Considering your razor, sandpaper may just be the ticket.
Have fun,
Lynn
Quote:
Originally Posted by kcox
Sometimes you want to spare your expensive 1K - 3K stones getting too much wear from the blades that need a lot of honing.
I've honed 1 or 2 razors but huge amount of woodworking tools and knives on a high grit sandpaper (say 1000 - 2000) before moving to higher grit stones.
Just glue the paper into flat heavy surface to make sure it is 100% flat. Piece of glass attached on a thick flat wood, marble or anything such will do. I also clamp the base on the table to prevent it from moving during honing process.
I would only say again that the razors I see, NOT TOOLS OR KNIVES seem to be significantly damaged by the use of sandpaper, especially from new people learning to hone and take considerable work to get back into shaving shape.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailor
Have fun.
You are right. What i meant is that it can be done with a sandpaper if you know what you are doing. I've tried with one or two razors, just to see if it can be done. Another point is of course that there is no much point honing a razor on a sandpaper. You cannot ever cause much wear to a hone with a single razor.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
Of course if not familiar with honing with a sandpaper it is easy to damage even woodworking blades.