Thread: Help please.

Originally Posted by mainaman

4k with slurry then rinse off and hone with no slurry before you get to the 8k

@ OP
right now I feel you have a bit of a mix of all kinds of factors that play into your honing.
You need to sort things out to get a clear picture of what is going on and how to fix it.
Start with your honing system, for the moment forget the 12k, and as Jimmy suggested focus on your 8k results.
So when you are sure the bevel is set correctly, do your pyramid and test shave. If the results are not there, repeat.

The 4k will not be enough to damage the spine you will have to take some metal but once you set the bevel right you should not be worried anymore. After the bevel is set, provided you do not have to fix chips on the edge, you will only be touching up on your 8k/12k, or pastes so the spine hone wear will be minimal.


How do you check your edge progress after each honing stage?

Stefan,

How would you suggest testing after each stage of honing? While I’ve used the thumb nail test, marker test, these seem to be good tests to determine if the bevel is set but not necessarily to test if the work at the 4k is complete and ready to move on to the 8k. Glen (gssixgun) suggested that a shave test between each stage may help. Is there another test you use between each step?

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Stefan,

How would you suggest testing after each stage of honing? While I’ve used the thumb nail test, marker test, these seem to be good tests to determine if the bevel is set but not necessarily to test if the work at the 4k is complete and ready to move on to the 8k. Glen (gssixgun) suggested that a shave test between each stage may help. Is there another test you use between each step?

I check the progress after each stage with a scope, but one can do TPT as another reliable test. @ 4k the razor should be able to cut hairs above skin level as well.
After 8k , the shave test is probably the best for people with less experience.

Thanks guys for all of the thoughtful posts. I have some questions regarding bevel setting. If i do a bevel setting with the 4k and slurry. Is there a certain amount of strokes you recommend. Should I use the circle method or just x pattern strokes? I don't have a microscope is there a way to tell if the bevel is set properly without one?

Pick up an eye loupe at a Jewelry supply like Widget Supply. I use a 30x, the one they are selling for $17.00. It will come in very handy. There is no set number for strokes. It is whatever it takes. Circles are more effective at removing metal more quickly but be careful. You don't want too much of a good thing. As a friend of mine says, knowing when to stop is one of the most difficult lessons to learn in honing.

Originally Posted by pbsd

Thanks guys for all of the thoughtful posts. I have some questions regarding bevel setting. If i do a bevel setting with the 4k and slurry. Is there a certain amount of strokes you recommend. Should I use the circle method or just x pattern strokes? I don't have a microscope is there a way to tell if the bevel is set properly without one?

There is never a certain number of strokes, that all depends on the razor (steel and condition).
It is always advisable to send your first razor to be honed pro, and pick up a practice razor to learn honing on.
The best way to go is 1k stone fro bevel set, 4/8k Norton to make the razor shave ready. When you get good on the 8k side, move to higher grit stones if you want, but you should be perfectly fine with 8k Norton and some CrO or diamond spray on felt.