Thread: Almost Shave Ready?

I'm still learning how to hone....I'm practicing with a ebay special....

Two days ago after a couple of hours in the 4k/8k and then in a 15k I tested it.....it shave me but it was pulling a lot!

Yesterday a did several pyramids 1-5s and then about 40 strokes in the 15k (btw I noticed a lot of small parts of steel while finishing in the 15k) and then 20 strokes in the strop.....It shaved a lot better but not as it should be.....

What should I do? More pyramids? more finishing?

Thanks in advance

Victor,

My vote would be for doing some more pyramid work. The hard part is figuing out exactly where you are in relation to where you want to be. If you're very close, a 3-5, 1-5, 1-5 on the Norton might be all you need. I'd suggest starting there.

The 15K will polish a sharp edge nicely, but it will take you forever to get the razor sharp if it's not quite there.

Focus on the Norton until you don't see any more improvement, then you can go to the 15K.

You can only go on to the next grit when the lower grit has finished its work. Learning when to move up is tricky, but you'll get it.

Good luck,
Josh

Originally Posted by vulcano

(btw I noticed a lot of small parts of steel while finishing in the 15k) and then 20 strokes in the strop.....It shaved a lot better but not as it should be.....

Sounds like you overhoned it, then broke the wire edge off on the 15k. Go back and do a minor pyramid on the norton, if it's sharp then do 10 laps on the 15k and test it again.

You really need a reliable indicator for when to stop honing. Number of passes and/or grit size won't do it since those are so varriable.

Something like the thumb nail test will tell you when you've reached the correct honed edge. At that point you must stop honing regardless of how many passes you've made, or, what size grit hone you are using.

The testing must be done frequently, or you will miss it.

Then go to the the hanging strop for your polishing.

Since you are practicing, and, on ebay specials, now is the time to experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.


Scott

I agree that you've very likely overhoned this edge.
I'd do ... on the Norton
4k/8k
3/3
5/5
3/5
1/5
1/3
1/3 testing with the Thumb Pad Test frequently throughout then the Hanging Hair Test atthe end of the pyramid. If id doesn't quite respond well I'll do 1 (one) more lap on the 8k and test again. If it responds worse then you know you're still overhoning. Try something like
3/3
1/3
1/3 and test again. If it still doesn't fly go back to the larger pyramid.

3-6 laps on the 15k should be enough for the finish. Don't overdo it. You can always strop and go back for a few more laps the enxt day.

X

You have received some really good advice on this one!

Since their is a suspicion that you have a wire edge then it might be helpful to do the thumbnail test to find out for sure.
A wire edge would feel uneven. Then you need to remove the wire edge by either backhoning or some other means.

But, since you did not indicate a shave that was spotty then I assume that you do not have a wire edge. Therefore now is the time to exercise restraint in your honing. I would go with the 3/5, 1/5, 1/5, 1/10 sequence then shave test. You should experience improvement. If so, then drop down to a 1/5, 1/5 thereafter. If you have a Wade&Butcher, Henckels, Wacker or some other razor with a steel that has been tempered hard them move to a 1/10 .

Just my two cents,

thanks a lot all of you for your helping.....

I think it had a wired edge that maybe was removed by the 15k......

I will try the several pyramids showed here and keep testing....I think I'm getting closer..... I will post results

My only suggestion is that as a newbee learning this thing you should forget about the 15K for now. Whats important is to learn how to use the 4K/8K properly and know when to transition from one to the other. The 15K is just complicating matters for you. When you've mastered the basics go on to the more advanced skills. Follow the pyramids you've been given by the other guys.

thank you for your advice Duke....

but just one question....Can I get something shave ready only using the 4k/8k and the strop?

or should I only practice a lot using the 4k/8k and the go to the 15k to get something shave ready?

The 8K will give you a very nice shaving edge.
"Forget the 15K for awhile", thats good advice.