Thread: Even honing

If the blade has a smile and you're going straight down, then you'll only see swarf in the middle even on a perfectly flat hone. I'm not sure how significant the swarf patterns on the norton are because I get much more distinct swarf lines on the shaptons than the norton, so the same thing could be happening on the norton but the swarf is washed around and spread out more so it looks more even than it really is.

If you want to lap the shapton I'd use something finer than 600 grit, like maybe 2k grit sandpaper. Or if you have one of those synthetic marble tiles then just wet the stone and rub it directly on the tile - Shaptons are very soft stones and will quickly raise a slurry that speeds up the lapping.

What do you think of your Shapton stone, I have read that they are very fast cutting, some times too agressive - what do you think? Are they worth sepnding any time on after the 4k/8k? I know I have dulled this particular razor, and will have to go back the pyramid - I just would rather do it on the 8k/Shapton - I have had a hard time finding crap razors, just when I think I have gotten one to use as a test razor, it turns out to be spectacular! BUT, I need to get the hang of this, my razors need some TLC and my face would sure appreciate it...

So a very fine sand paper for the Shapton - I don't have a marble tile but I do have some pretty flat pieces of heavy glass, that should work, yes? What is the best a paper to use, wet or dry - any particular brand names that I could pick up say at Home Depot? ( I don't htink they have anything that fine at the Depot, anyone know?)

Thanks for the replies,

K

Hey Vince,

I sprung for this razor on a BIN on the 'Bay after a tip from this forum, ($33.00 including shipping), I had heard of Bengalls, and while the pict was fuzzy (description said "mint" - yeah right), I figured it probably had problems and would be a great starter for honing - I get the thing, and it is stunning. Seriously. Cheesy plastic handle, box was beat - but except for some rust around the pin - it shown like glass - no abrasions or even discoloration, just mirror like steel. Really pretty - after MAAS, like absolutely new. I will post pictures if I can ever get it sharp. Might have to convince someone to make me some custom scales for this granpa.

K

At this point it becomes a preference, Shaptons are Good, Kitiyamas are good, Belgium yellow is good. They're are so many variations after the Norton it depends on what you like on your face. A lot of guys go to paste after the Norton, A lot of guys don't use a Norton, just a barber hone and paste.

This site has a lot of info on all aspects of Straight Razor Shaving. As for your Shapton, Norton, Kitiyama, etc. start with the manufacturers instructions and go from there. Straight Razor Shaving is a very personal thing. All razors are different, all beards are different.