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I've heard of this talked about on other forums but not having a straight back then I never paid much attention to it.
Does anyone on here use lapping film/ anyone like it?
What are the pros and cons of using it?
I'm new to straights and I know I have much to learn still, but learning to hone was a big draw for me. This seems like it could be a nice alternative to learn on without the shock to my wallet that buying natural or synthetic stones would. All opinions would be appreciated.
I've used lapping film and sandpaper on sheet-plastic backing.
It's a cheap way to get started honing and restoring razors. And it means you don't have to worry about keeping your hones flat. But there's a warning:
. . . Honing with film is less expensive (in startup cost) than using stones, but it requires just as much skill.
I finally bought a pair of Nortons -- 220/1K and 4K/8K -- and a barber hone.
If you're starting with a razor in good condition, a barber hone might be all you need.
Charles
+1 for the above.
Agreed, but with lapping film you know your base is 100% flat and on the finer films the razor just glides eliminating the need for pressure.
'Scary Sharp' Sharpening Method Used to Sharpen Murray Carter 10sun Gyuto - YouTube
C-Dawg did this one a while ago, basic idea works with razors as well with a bit of fidgeting.
It is all I have used so far in my limited honing experience.
If your doing as well with your razor as the guy in the video does with knives... Stick with the film!!!
I've got it but seldom use it, mostly as reference to check how good my stones really is.
I used it dry and with water or oil on a hard flat surface and on soft plastic foam, it's fun to play with.
Lapping film will be expensive in the long run but as a start it's good, you know what you got and can't blame the tools.
Just make sure to keep it clean!
It's not sexy but it works every time.
The weakness in the lapping film system is "Honing Gymnastics" every system has it's weakness, you just have to work around it..
If I were honing mostly straight edge full hollows I would think Lapping Films rocked, but toss in a Heavy Chopper that needs some twists and turns and you will find the weakness pretty quickly...
A good 1k bevel setter as in most honing can make a huge difference in making things much easier