Thread: Possible bad hone

I'm new to the forum and new to honing. I just got my Norton Starter set in the mail today. I've got 2 questions if anyone could help me out with. And for the record my razor simply has "Professional Razor" stamped on it. It was part of a "starter" set I bought off of Amazon.com a few months ago.

1. There is discoloration in the 8K side of the stone, is this normal? Where the discoloration is, it is also very rough.
I know people say they need to be lapped up to an 1/8 of an inch before being able to be used. But this seems like it might be a defect to me. I lapped it for 5 minutes and it slightly improved but not much.

2. Should I learn to hone on my cheap razor or learn to hone on a razor that can take an edge? I know I need a decent razor, but don't want to ruin a decent one learning to hone on it. But then, how can I learn on a razor that can't take an edge?

And I've gotten a few decent shaves off the cheap razor, but nothing better then what an electric razor could do.

Pics will help a lot here. If you have only lapped 5mins on the 4k, you are nowhere near enough into it. It will probably take you about 20-30 mins the first time. Go to gssixgun's youtube vid of him lapping the nortons. You'll need something to lap the stone and a pencil, and water of course Some of the stones can have some slight discoloration from the dyeing process during manufacturing, but as long as there are no chips, cracks, lumps, bumps, after you lap it true it should be fine.

First on the hone a pic of what you are talking about will help. The Morton's are pretty easy to lap but it still takes a bit of time the first time.

Unfortunately that razor won't take a shaving edge. So practice honing on it really won't help you. Where it can help you is to practice stropping with it as it is a lot less likely to tear up your strop if you make a mistake.

You didn't mention anything about your strop how is that?

Ok, ignore the defective hone comment. Rookie mistake.
I was lapping it during the day and didn't notice how much the lapping was helping with the discoloration until after getting it under some nice harsh florescent lighting. I can see I still have some lapping to do, but it is improving. I am a little impatient.

I'm pretty good at stropping. Well at least I think I am. As in the razor doesn't quickly degrade after honing. And the stropping motion for whatever reason came natural to me. The X-stroke on honing is another story.

I'm really glad I saw gssixgun's video where he shows someone how to hone. It made me feel better that it isn't just me that had trouble going from watching a video on-line to becoming a master.

How much damage could i do to a decent razor while learning to hone on it? I just hate the idea of spending $70 on a low end DOVO only to destroy it.

It's possible that your stone may have a blemish, contact the seller 7 discuss this with him.

Next time help everyone photos, if you can.

Take a ruler next to your stone & see that 1/8 of an inch to lap is quite a bit; excessive in my opinion. Do you remember where you got this 1/8 lapping guide? My new Norton lapped flat in under 5 minutes, under running water with a DMT 325, the finished her with 2000 3M wet/dry.

Practice on a razor that you are confident in. This sets a better standard for comparison in your future honing.

I picked up the 1/8 I think in one of the videos on here, I can't find it now.

My problem is I only have one razor and it is cheap.

I have seen the 1/8th of an inch before and actually think it was in something Lynn wrote in the wiki.

If you're looking for a practice razor, check out whippeddog.com for a sight unseen razor. Won't break the bank and you can get one already honed so you know what to try for. Or if you are comfortable knowing what a shave ready razor feels like, get one not honed.
Even if you destroy the razor, you're only out about $40.

I have to agree with Hirlau, 1/8" would seem to be excessive. I followed gssixgun's video, doing the honing under water, and it took me no more than 5 minutes per side to go from gritty feeling to baby's butt smooth. Material removed? Who knows...but it was very little, at the most 1/128". A good diamond lapping stone is the key.

Just my two cents.

Randy

Originally Posted by Castel33

I have seen the 1/8th of an inch before and actually think it was in something Lynn wrote in the wiki.

I will search the Wiki for any refer to 1/8 of an inch, needed to lap a Norton.
I don't think that this measurement is a standard given by Lynn.
If it is, I will gladly correct myself here.