Thread: Finishing strokes: when, with what and how many?

The purpose of this thread is to gather a sample from this forum regarding finishing strokes. I think that newbies could really benefit from the proven techniques used by the experienced members to hone a shave-ready edge. This is not about regular bevel setting, but rather focused on the final strokes that make all the difference.

Years ago, when I began this obsession, I was getting poor results and became quite discouraged. Fortunately, I had a granddad who was certainly a honemeister before the term was in use (God rest his soul). Watching his buttery technique on a coticule confirmed that I was pressing much harder than his delicate touch. This realization took me to the next level. I started using extremely, light finishing touches resulting in a level of sharpness and performance never before realized.

Finishing strokes are second only to leather stropping for determining the final quality of a SR edge.

Here is when, with what, and how many finishing strokes I use before proceeding to the leather. Perhaps subsequent respondents to this thread will use the same format to keep the sampling organized.


FINISHING STROKE TECHNIQUE

WHEN:
I usually start a few extremely light (less than the blade weight by supporting the razor) X-pattern stropping strokes at the end of my regular edge-leading, honing strokes on the 4K, and continue this practice with the 8K, and 12K stones.

WITH WHAT:
While I do start the finishing process with the stones, the final finisher for me is CrO on balsa. I have an extra long (12x3x3 inch) balsa block that has been leveled with sand paper on a certified granite plate (probably overkill). The large block allows me to easily hold it in the air; once again to apply LESS than blade weight to each stroke. My finishing strokes are very consistent X-pattern with a few heel and toe specific strokes.

HOW MANY:
Many have stated on this forum how difficult it is to OVER hone a razor and this would also apply to finishing strokes. In fact, I think most newbies are not doing enough because they think that a stroke so light must not be doing much. Here is my typical finishing progression. These are NOT honing strokes. Regular honing strokes are performed between these steps. You may use less or none of these with the pyramid approach.

4k stone - 6-8 stropping laps

8k stone - 10-12 stropping laps

12k stone - 12-15 stropping laps

CrO balsa - 20-30 EXTREMELY LIGHT stropping laps

Leather - 60-100 EXTREMELY LIGHT stropping laps

My final advice to newbies is "less is more". Practice getting lighter and more delicate with your touch especially when going for that ultimate finish and you will be rewarded as I was so many years ago. I hope this thread real reveal a common theme and practice among the more experienced members. Good luck.