Results 1 to 10 of 10
Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By gssixgun

Thread: Lapping film

  1. #1
    Junior Member BigTex21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11
    Thanked: 0

    Default Lapping film

    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.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts
    1,377
    Thanked: 275

    Default

    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

  3. #3
    Senior Member Johnus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    1,979
    Thanked: 196

    Default

    +1 for the above.

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    23
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Carbon-steel-aholic DwarvenChef's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Posts
    2,814
    Thanked: 823

    Default

    '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.

  • #6
    Bondservant of Jesus coachschaller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Milan, Michigan
    Posts
    736
    Thanked: 110

    Default

    It is all I have used so far in my limited honing experience.

  • #7
    Senior Member Johnus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    1,979
    Thanked: 196

    Default Lapping film

    If your doing as well with your razor as the guy in the video does with knives... Stick with the film!!!

  • #8
    Senior Member Lemur's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sweden, Gotland, Visby
    Posts
    1,888
    Thanked: 222

    Default

    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!

  • #9
    Senior Member jgkeegan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Neili, Taiwan
    Posts
    113
    Thanked: 23

    Default

    It's not sexy but it works every time.

  • #10
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,948
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    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
    DwarvenChef and moehal like this.

  • Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •