Thread: Norton not Cutting

Originally Posted by DavidinTexas

Let's see
yes - the marks are completely removed - this has been done twice with several other attempts without the marks. I am fairly sure the stones are flat.
The surfaces do appear to be even and consistent from edge to edge of each stone.
Sorry about the 229 - it seems that the nine is next door to the zero. I picked that since the progress with 320 was slow ....

Just now - the 8k is removing more metal that then 4k - I am pretty sure that is not normal.

thanks for the help...

How are you determining how much metal is being removed? Viewing the metal on the hone itself would in my opinion be a poor way to determine this, and I haven't heard of that as a means to sharpening a razor, really. When you're setting a bevel and needing to do a lot of work on a razor certainly you'll see some evidence of the razor's metal on the hone, but it's probably a poor way to determine success.

I think checking out the actual edge of the razor; with a magnifying glass or even with the naked eye is a good way. I use only three tests, really. Firstly, the Thumb Pad Test. Using my thumb I gently rub it sideways against the edge. By this I can tell (by experience) if the edge is sharp at all. The edge 'catches' the skin of my thumb. Secondly, as I start the honing, I shave my leg hairs as a test. If the razor pops hairs easily I go from the 4/8 to the Shapton 16k. The third test is of course the shave itself. In my opinion and experience that's the only set of tests I need.

To reiterate, in my experience I don't see a lot of metal on the hone unless I'm doing a LOT of honing (setting a bevel).

It sounds to me that you are lapping correctly. I use the Norton lapping stone and although many talk of other options I find the Norton lapping stone adequate.

Hope this is of some help.

Carl