Thread: Should Circles Be Used On Higher Grits?

I noticed in videos describing circle honing that the circles are used for the 1k and 5k, then one goes back to the traditional x-strokes for the 8k and 12k. Is there a reason why the circles are not used for the entire honing progression?

Rather than say they 'should' - perhaps 'can they be used...'

to answer w/ a question: Does Raggedy Anne have cotton uh Parts?

I don't claim to be any sort of expert honer or honemeister, but I've used circle honing to good effect on about 40 razors (but with lighter pressure) at both 8k and 12k. I feel that the circles help straighten out the edge and make it more uniform.

Circles on the 8k is a good way to refresh a worn edge. Do your 8k circles as soon as the formerly well honed blade begins to irritate your face. I believe Lynn recommended something like two sets of twenty circles both sides followed by ten X-strokes. Strop and shave. If needed do ten more X-strokes. If that doesn't suit your face, repeat the process.

First and Foremost, I’m not anywhere near in the league as Lynn, Glen, Max, Kelly etc so my post is just that, my post!

I will openly state that as a former meat cutter, I was very confident that honing a razor would not be a problem!!

PROBLEM!!

Honing a straight razor and sharpening a knife is as different as black and white!

I learned to hone by reading and watching those who know what they are doing! I took what I learned and came up with my own way of honing.

So to answer the question: Yes I use Circles on my finisher (Naniwa 12K) along with X-strokes! I also use slurry! After the slurry I do use clear water and repeat with circles and then very careful X-strokes!

As a very highly regarded honer at this forum said; “It works for me, it might work for you”.

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

I have played around using circles on finishers, it can be done, but I always finish the edge with X stokes. The edge seems better to me.

I don't see why not,,, I use the Pigtail stroke on just about every finisher as I start on them which is kinda a circle/X in one but like many have already said, I finish with 5-10 Butterfly Kiss perfect x strokes as I come off the stone, that seems to work the best for me..

the purpose of the circle stroke is to aggressively take off metal. Because of its short circular motion, it leaves microscopic curved scratches. When each pass is not identical ,it will create a grid pattern and take off metal (like a file). When polishing you want to align your metal into a straight line and as identical as possible, so you can replicate the previous pass and take off the metal/polish it the same exact way.

think of it as a coloring book, Is it easier to cover every square inch by drawing a whole bunch of circles or drawing straight lines? same with honing, you miss some microscopic spots and the metal doesn't get effected.

I agree - why not? Just don't carry on once you get to the strop!

James.

I use circles on all grits, and on naturals. The last strokes are always x-stroke though.