Thread: Microbevels.

Originally Posted by ssg1

Thank you all.

How can I create a micro bevel on a razor that has been honed from the beginning
with one layer of tape? How can I maintain a micro bevel?

I read a post from a guy who created a micro bevel and got a very smooth edge.
That is what I'm after, a very smooth edge for a pleasurable shave.

"It is created by adding a layer or two of tape to what you already have on when you hit the final hone in your progression" is your answer. If you have one layer of tape on add one or two or if you have no tape on the spine add one or two.

Bob

As Bob Says,read the Zowada link I Posted.

Yea, the problem with maintaining a “Micro” bevel, is each time you re-hone a “micro bevel you extend the bevel and it becomes a secondary bevel and eventually a full bevel at a steeper angle.

But if that angle works for you, who cares if it is Micro or not?

You should not need to be re-honing that often any way.

I would recommend paste for maintenance.

It is formed like told above.

I find that modern, hard 'chippy' steels sometimes benefit from a micro-bevel - it almost seems as if the traditional angle produces an edge that is too attenuated and weak, prone to micro-chipping, but adding another layer of tape often cures this.

If the steel formulation is up to snuff, then the edge produced traditionally should be plenty good enough - the micro-bevel is just another tool in the arsenal in my opinion. Some makers customarily use a smaller, secondary or micro-bevel, usually because the steel they use is ridiculously hard - over 62 rockwell steels are good candidates.

Regards,
Neil

I've had razors with secondary bevels and I didn't find them to shave any better than razors with single bevels.

I have to agree with Spendur. The only need for one is with a problem edge. And that doesn't always fix it. Just my limited experience. I have used them to see if I can get a better edge but drop back down either way. And this is with wedge type blades only.

Just starting out, I would not concern myself with such extraneous activities as putting a micro bevel on an edge. Your first concern should be getting comfortable with shaving and stropping. Learn the basics, right now you are trying to run without knowing how to walk. It is easy to get caught up in all the little trappings of an activity but don't concern yourself with those just yet. Where are you located? have you found a mentor close to you to help with learning and understanding yet? If not, then I would suggest doing so. Put your location in your profile so that we know where you are.

I have never felt an edge was better with a micro bevel than without it. YMMV and many do it regularly. I find the whole tape thing to be another PITA. I do tape wedges and razors with goldwash and decorative spines but not for shave quality but only to protect them. But I will say it wont hurt, just not worth the time to do IMO.