Thread: What did I do wrong with my Shaptons?

Got a set of Shapton 4K/8K/16K glass stones this week. I also got an Atoma 1200 for lapping. Now, my Henckels-Friodur 7/8 full hollow was due for a refresh (or so I thought). So I lapped the Shaptons and went to work on the razor.

I did twenty strokes on the 4K, ten on the 8K, and five on the 16K. Followed up with 80 strokes on linen, 40 on leather. I then did my normal pre-shave routine, but when I put the blade to my face it was completely dull.

Where did I go wrong, and what can I do to bring back the edge?

Will be blunt,sorry,how long have you been honing razors?

That's doesn't sound like a refresh...when I refresh a blade, it's maybe 25-30 laps on the Nani 12k, then crox, then 100 leather...you went way down.

edited to add: realized my post may have sounded abrupt, didn't intend anything, got distracted for a second in the SRP Classifieds!

JimmyHAD has given some grand advice to get you on the right track. Good luck!

I'm assuming you've been honing right along before you got the Shaptons ? Had some success with other hones/razors ? I don't know what shape your Henckles was in when you started. If it only needed a touch up I would have gone to the 16k and done 5 round trips. Stropped and given it a try. If that didn't get it, 5 more, and if that didn't get it maybe down to the 8k for some strokes and back to the strop and try it. If it seemed to be making enough progress back to the 16 and maybe that would be it. Where it is at now, I don't know what to tell you.

In general with a dull razor I start at the low grits and work up to the higher grits. With a sharp razor, needing a touch up I start high grit and only go lower if I have to. Not sure if that is the "right" way but it is what I do. If you are experienced enough with honing to go forward with a progression maybe start at 4k and work back up. If you're not experienced the pyramid method works very well with Shaptons like with Nortons. Go to the SRP library and check out the pyramid honing, and honing alternative approaches. It is by the numbers and it is easier for an new honer to do than the progressive method. Was that way for me anyhow.

There's no way to say that a certain number of strokes on any given grit/hone is right or wrong. The real question that needs to be asked is what it needs. If I'm doing a refresh, I normally either use my finishing stone or drop down one grit and back up to the finishing stone.....depending on what it needs.

I've used the Shapton 16k many times to "refresh" my razors,,,I only do 6 to 8 light strokes ,,,then strop.

FME, Shap glass are very aggressive. You are lucky to have them. You are possibly not hitting the edge, Do a Sharpie test and see. A layer of tape or more honing might be required! As to Shapton Glass, Less is best, I think!

I do have experience with honing, but only on wedges. I started off with half- and full-hollows but couldn't get a good shave with them. I soon found that wedges were "easier" to shave with as a beginner. This Friodur razor is my first hollow since I started straight shaving about 4 years ago. The progression I used above was what has worked to refresh a wedge for me, as well as the pyramid method. (I didn't use the pyramid method this time due to warnings included with the shaptons). On a wedge, I found using only a finishing stone was not enough. I guess I was just used to doing what worked with a heavier grind.

So, time to start over on the 4K and spend more time there and at the 8K?

Originally Posted by supersco

I do have experience with honing, but only on wedges. I started off with half- and full-hollows but couldn't get a good shave with them. I soon found that wedges were "easier" to shave with as a beginner. This Friodur razor is my first hollow since I started straight shaving about 4 years ago. The progression I used above was what has worked to refresh a wedge for me, as well as the pyramid method. (I didn't use the pyramid method this time due to warnings included with the shaptons). On a wedge, I found using only a finishing stone was not enough. I guess I was just used to doing what worked with a heavier grind.

So, time to start over on the 4K and spend more time there and at the 8K?

Please tell us about the warning re pyramids with the Shaptons . The only instructions I got were in Japanese.

I woder if you are using too much pressure honing the hollow blade ?

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Please tell us about the warning re pyramids with the Shaptons . The only instructions I got were in Japanese.

I woder if you are using too much pressure honing the hollow blade ?

It says something like "Make sure to thoroughly wash your tool before going to the next grade. Debris from lower grits may damage your tool." I'm going off of memory here, but the English translation was surprisingly good. It doesn't really say not to use pyramids, I guess that's just how I interpreted it.

As to pressure, I was using none at all. I'm used to having to use some pressure with a wedge, so this time I made a conscious effort not to use any pressure.