Thread: Trogdor's guide to chip removal

Here is my system for removing chips from the edge of a restored razor. The chips will not go past the bevel (Some bevels are wider than others act accordingly) but usually about halfway up or close to that. I will add 3 layers of tape to my razor and hit the DMT 325. I know many people are against going to that low of a grit, but it would take forever on a 1k with the same end results. This is where the circle method, in my mind, really starts to shine for me. I start of with 20 circles both ways then grab the loupe and see where I am. As to the use of pressure.... that is a blade to blade thing for me as all grinds and blades are different. The 325 is really aggressive so you don't need very much: go slow not hard.

At this point, not much has been done and I raise the number to 50 circles and go to work doing it a couple times. Once again, check the bevel with a loupe and decide if you need more circles or to move up. Every couple of circle sets I will throw in about 20 x-pattern strokes to break the monotony and keep everything looking good. Keep checking with that loupe, because you don't want to do any more on the 325 than is necessary. Once you get the chip really close to the edge, where it looks more like a toothy edgy than a chip, move to the 1k.(It's better to jump earlier vs. later since you can always go back.)

On the 1k, I follow the same pattern until my chips are removed and I can progressively remove my tape layers. Here it is even more important to check your loupe; try moving one end of the blade away from you and look for any sign of the chip in the loupe. A good light really helps here and make sure you remove all water so there is no confusion when viewing the blade.

Once you have removed your chip you can move to your normal honing routine with the bevel basically set with a few more strokes. I personally like to listen to the Mustache and Blade podcast while doing this to make the time go by faster. Really make sure you got that chip before you move up!!!!!! Otherwise, you will get to 8k and it will be readily apparent when you view the edge through your loupe and that is a frustrating feeling. I am sure this has been covered before and by far better honers than I, but just wanted to throw out what has worked for me.