Thread: Honing Razors With A Jig and Stationary Blade

I have sharpened knives, axes and hatchets for some years (can get them razor sharp I might add) and now I hone my str8 razors...same basic sharpening concept but different methodology. Correct me if I'm wrong but...doesn't the shoulder on the str8 in fact maintain the angle we need at the cutting edge? While I unerstand the need for the jig with knives, axes and hatchets for helping to maintain the constant angle for sharpening, with the str8 I wouldn't think it was necessary if my assumption above isn't correct. Don't want to rain on your parade...just food for thought. Good luck with whatever method you find that works best for you...jig or no jig.

When all is said and done, the purpose of a jig is to keep a consistent angle (or distance or position in other scenarios). A straight razor already comes with a jig that does not require configuration, and which is always the exact same angle, regardless of where and when you use it. That built-in jig also happens to be set at a very convenient angle (or range of angles when compared between individual razors) that has been used for centuries.
It's free.
It's foolproof.
It's consistent.

So, what's the point of adding additional contraptions?

Originally Posted by Bruno

When all is said and done, the purpose of a jig is to keep a consistent angle (or distance or position in other scenarios). A straight razor already comes with a jig that does not require configuration, and which is always the exact same angle, regardless of where and when you use it. That built-in jig also happens to be set at a very convenient angle (or range of angles when compared between individual razors) that has been used for centuries.
It's free.
It's foolproof.
It's consistent.

So, what's the point of adding additional contraptions?

Why not use a contraption as you call it? Why not try something different? There are many examples that I can use to illustrate my point. Let's use a simple one.

Why make a light bulb when there is fire. A torch can light the way.

It's foolproof.
It's consistent.

Insert incandescent light bulb.

This thread is about whether the jig method is viable. I used a jig to sharpen a razor once. It was sharp, but didn't feel honed to a polished edge. Could be my execution. I prefer no jig and naniwa stones. I think we can all agree that straight razors are all about personal preference. So to answer bladeon's question of whether the jig is viable; most don't feel that it's viable. My recommendation is to have a professionally honed razor to compare against and experiment on a low value razor. Execution is often more important then method. I love jigs with a passion, but I feel like they get in the way with straights.

Originally Posted by Mario

Why not use a contraption as you call it? Why not try something different? There are many examples that I can use to illustrate my point. Let's use a simple one.

Why make a light bulb when there is fire. A torch can light the way.

It's foolproof.
It's consistent.

Insert incandescent light bulb.

A torch would be smoky, smelly & complicated to set up. compared to switching on the light bulb.
It is not complicated to hone a razor the way they have always been honed. In fact it's as simple a switching a light bulb on & off.

Originally Posted by certifiedbodyman

I have sharpened knives, axes and hatchets for some years (can get them razor sharp I might add) and now I hone my str8 razors...same basic sharpening concept but different methodology. Correct me if I'm wrong but...doesn't the shoulder on the str8 in fact maintain the angle we need at the cutting edge?

Yes, it does.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Yes, it does.

...kinda thought so...especially since I've been fortunate enough to read up on how to hone my razors as well as having purchased the DVD by Lynn...between this forum and that DVD I managed ok to this point...dunno if my honing mathces up to most of y'alls but it suffices for me...and I've been able to use the "built in jig" on the str8's...lol

Originally Posted by certifiedbodyman

...kinda thought so...especially since I've been fortunate enough to read up on how to hone my razors as well as having purchased the DVD by Lynn...between this forum and that DVD I managed ok to this point...dunno if my honing mathces up to most of y'alls but it suffices for me...and I've been able to use the "built in jig" on the str8's...lol

Lynn's video is worth every penny. Between the video and reading SRP, I felt comfortable honing the razor. I've sharpened a lot of different steel tools. Some of that knowledge transfers, but razors are a different beast.

I really like the razor is its own jig. The edge is very refined. It might be tool steel but you won't use it as a cut off tool on a lathe . Once you lap the hone well, and get used to the light touch, feel, and appearance while honing the whole process works well. It is relaxing actually. Of course I'm a beginner and I haven't had to take on a geometrically challenged razor yet.

I use jigs to sharpen other tools. But I actually like sharpening the razor by hand. It just takes more feel. A nice 10x jeweler's loupe comes in handy too.

I just purchased a new professionally honed SR. So I had the chance to compare with the one I've honed and stropped since May. The new one was a little better. I can up my game some, but the comparison was very favorable. It was nice to compare what I've done against the efforts of a pro.

Ultimately if you get the tool sharp enough to do the job well, you have a process that works. After that it comes down to optimization; I'm still happy enough with, what I'm doing, results in a shave ready edge.

Best,

Ed