Thread: Dear Mr Honemeisters

I ran the edge over my thumbnail and they did not disappear. It's amazing how you think you have it and when you really start examining your edges you find how far you have to go.

Originally Posted by Mephisto

I should add that is is an older extra hollow razor that has already seen a fair amount of use over the years. The spine is fairly worn and flat. Not extremely worn out but it was well loved by the original owner.

This is also a Joseph Allen IXL, so I guess fairly soft steel

This is probably the problem, if the spine is worn thin the angle will be off and the edge/bevel will be to thin to support the structure of the steel. You may be able to get past this by honing the blade for a while at a lower grit, be sure to use tape so you dont lose any more spine. This will help to correct the geometry if possible.

BTW running an edge across a thumbnail will only dull what edge you have.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

BTW running an edge across a thumbnail will only dull what edge you have.

Absolutely.
I only suggested he do that to ascertain what he was dealing with as there were no pics to diagnose.
I figured he had some more honing ahead of him anyway.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

If this is the only razor that you have noticed this problem with, then maybe we have a steel issue here???

Does the temper of the steel "change" as the original metal is honed/eroded? Would the thickening of the metal of an often honed blade cause the edge to chip or not hold a bevel?

I have noticed knives fail to hold an edge as the blade width narrows after years of service. Could the same be true of razors?

Dave

Originally Posted by rolodave

Does the temper of the steel "change" as the original metal is honed/eroded? Would the thickening of the metal of an often honed blade cause the edge to chip or not hold a bevel?

I have noticed knives fail to hold an edge as the blade width narrows after years of service. Could the same be true of razors?

Dave

Dave, I don't know, sorry. Your question is beyond my skill level.

When I gave my first response to the OP, I was thinking about pitting,,,possibly unseen, below the surface pits.

I think I will invest in a USB camera eventually. At least you guys can see some pics.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Does the temper of the steel "change" as the original metal is honed/eroded? Would the thickening of the metal of an often honed blade cause the edge to chip or not hold a bevel?

I have noticed knives fail to hold an edge as the blade width narrows after years of service. Could the same be true of razors?

Dave

As a theory & in extreme circumstances I guess it would be possible with something like a wedge if you honed into much thicker steel away from the original edge but I reckon it'd be hard work. Can't see it with a hollow unless you turn a 6/8 into 2/8. Not a smith so happy to be corrected.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Does the temper of the steel "change" as the original metal is honed/eroded? Would the thickening of the metal of an often honed blade cause the edge to chip or not hold a bevel?

I have noticed knives fail to hold an edge as the blade width narrows after years of service. Could the same be true of razors?

Dave

I've heard differing opinions on that pertaining to pocketknives. I've had some old Case knives that had well worn blades that would still take an edge. They weren't 'working' knives though. Just carried once in awhile and cut a peach or a tomato every now and again. I've heard that the temper would change, be softer as you move up towards the spine, but I don't know that for sure.

Originally Posted by 1holegrouper

The problem is not with your razor but with your loupe. Reduce the magnification and the nicks will simply go away without any additional honing. Just like magic.

Sorry, this made me laugh😂

Had those nibbbles on a Leader (that was a great shaver)... I think it just got honed so much it got to worn in some spots and the metal didn't hold up... I bread knifed it and start over to put a thicker edge on it..