Thread: Microbevels.

Hi guys, I'm afraid I haven't understood what a microbevel is. So, what is a microbevel? How is it created? Why or when is it needed? I did try the google search for related posts but I didn't find the info I'm looking for. Thanks a lot.

No expert here but basically a micro bevel is a double bevel, think of a hipped roof shape only less blunt. 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. Leave the extra tape on if you go to a pasted balsa strop next. Remove all the tape for normal stropping on a hanging strop and you are done. It is just another way of trying to get a sharp smooth edge on a blade. If you have set a micro bevel the change in angles is not great so a few swipes without the added tape should return it to a normal single bevel. I am sure others will have a better more detailed explanation.

Bob

A Micro bevel as I understand it is when honing you set your first main bevel with say no tape, then once the bevel is set you add a layer of tape which raises the spine slightly, so when you continue hone you create a second (micro bevel) which remains as your final edge,
I believe wedges tend to benifit from this honing method.
This also happens when a razor is refreshed using tape when it may not have been set with it. Not a bad thing usually

Edit Bob types faster

I tend to put a microbevel on my knives but I've yet to put one on a razor. I'm New to razor honing and yet to own a wedge.

Anyway back to your question. A microbevel is a secondary bevel on the edge of a blade.

It is at a steeper angle to the primary bevel.

It's function is to provide more metal behind the cutting edge and in theory should be stronger and last longer than an edge without a microbevel.

It does work well on some types of knives but we are talking about edges with far more metal behind them to begin with, and steeper angles.

Personally I can't see any real benefit on a razor and will just be a pain when it comes to re honing. The exception to this would be the wedge type razors which are more knife like anyway

Like I said though I'm not a razor honing expert so my opinion on its use on a razor is pretty much worthless lol

Some usefull info here from a master Razor maker.
Care and Feeding of Zowada Razors

A Micro Bevel is a very small bevel, 1-4 laps on a very fine finish stone, any more than that is a Secondary Bevel. While a Micro bevel is a secondary bevel not all secondary bevels are micro.

As said the idea originally behind a Micro bevel, at least in tool honing is that it could easily be reversed by re honing. They were commonly used in tool sharpening, chisel, plane blades and knife sharpening.

It is also an easy way to test if an increased angle will help a crumbling edge.

They do work exceptionally well with fine stones, and high grit film.

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.

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.