Thread: Best progression suggestions for Shaptons...

Originally Posted by Laurens

You could try Glen's 3-2-1 method of 3 normal strokes, 2 back-strokes and 1 normal stroke, all at the exact same angle (see his Shapton honing video #3). I'm surprised you didn't suggest it yourself, Glen! But hey, someone else suggesting your method must boost your ego a little

Thanks for all the info - really looking for some things to try using my setup though... I'm intrigued by this 3-2-1 method - anyone use this to good effect?

Also, it was suggested that I skip the 16k and go straight to the 30K?

Well now I have some things to try...

Anyone have a link to that video from Glen?

-john

Do not give up on the CrOx. As has been said, it gives a smoothness that a shapton can't give. Even at 30K. I will almost always finish with it for this reason. CrOx on balsa.

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

Do not give up on the CrOx. As has been said, it gives a smoothness that a shapton can't give. Even at 30K. I will almost always finish with it for this reason. CrOx on balsa.

I'm really looking to improve my cutting edges and will worry about smoothness later - I've wrecked too many great edges on CrO with even just a few strokes.

I don't have a balsa strop but may be worth looking into...

-john

Originally Posted by ocelot27

I'm really looking to improve my cutting edges and will worry about smoothness later - I've wrecked too many great edges on CrO with even just a few strokes.

I don't have a balsa strop but may be worth looking into...

-john

This is where I get confused. If you are using good technique and have done your job correctly on honing, I find it hard to believe you ruined an edge with CrOx. YMMV(your mileage must vary)

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

This is where I get confused. If you are using good technique and have done your job correctly on honing, I find it hard to believe you ruined an edge with CrOx. YMMV(your mileage must vary)

I have CrO on a webbing strop - not balsa and I haven't seen any improvement using it - and overusing it is a pitfall for me. I prefer keeping my bevels perfect so I can do touch ups using hones rather than CrO. I have to get a balsa strop to see if I can work that into my methods....

-john

Originally Posted by ocelot27

I have CrO on a webbing strop - not balsa and I haven't seen any improvement using it - and overusing it is a pitfall for me. I prefer keeping my bevels perfect so I can do touch ups using hones rather than CrO. I have to get a balsa strop to see if I can work that into my methods....

-john

Now I understand John. Use CrOx on leather, HPF or balsa. You will see much better results. For me, I tried all kinds of progressions and stuck with what works. I run nortons up to 8K then 12K naniwa to 16 and 30K shaptons. Finish with 3-10 passes CrOx on either Leather or balsa. When you find the "sweet spot" it gives a smoothness where your razor glides over the face with zero resistance.
Paul

Originally Posted by ocelot27

Thanks for all the info - really looking for some things to try using my setup though... I'm intrigued by this 3-2-1 method - anyone use this to good effect?

Also, it was suggested that I skip the 16k and go straight to the 30K?

Well now I have some things to try...

Anyone have a link to that video from Glen?

-john

gssixgun / Gemstar Customs - YouTube

Lynn Abrams - YouTube

I'd watch all of them...

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

Now I understand John. Use CrOx on leather, HPF or balsa. You will see much better results. For me, I tried all kinds of progressions and stuck with what works. I run nortons up to 8K then 12K naniwa to 16 and 30K shaptons. Finish with 3-10 passes CrOx on either Leather or balsa. When you find the "sweet spot" it gives a smoothness where your razor glides over the face with zero resistance.
Paul

What's your progression? i.e. what do you do with the 16K and 30K in particular. I've tried just about everything with the 30K - I get mirror edges but they just aren't up to snuff. I've tried the 3-2-1 method with mixed results.

I have a leather paddle strop - it already has diamond spray on it... ideas?

-john

One thing that you should take away from many statements here is that Not All razors react well with the 16k - 30k hones..

You have to develop a feel for how to use the tools you have in your hands,, If my only option were the Shaptons there are quite a few types of razors that I would probably stop at the 16k level and use a paste
a few I would stop at the 8k level and perhaps use a different paste...

But only you can test this out on your face

As Glen talked about, every razor is different. I don't have any set pattern to how many laps I home at a certain grit. I have learned to go by how the razor feels on the stones and how it looks under my loop. I also don't always use the 16 and 30k. I don't stop at just the 8K though. For me, my naniwa 12k followed by the CrOx on balsa is fantastic on my softer older steel near wedge w&b's etc. they don't seem to like the high grit shaptons.
Actually a more accurate statement is I don't like them off the shaptons.
The only true constant is I always do at least two passes over the CrOx pasted balsa strop. These are always VERY light passes.

The observation you should take from this is most people that I know that hone go by feel. I woulf hazard a guess that everyone that hones alot will tell you that they dont always get it to "pop" first time every time. Some razors are stuborn like that. I am by no means in the same league as Lynn or Glen but I have honed my fair share of razors and know what works for me.
One other thing is that some people like the feel off a 12k PHIG others the naniwa some one else might prefer the 30K shaptons. Everyone is different.

More then one way to shave a cat.