Thread: What should edge look like?

Hello Gentlemen, I have just purchased my first straight razor, a Norton 4K/8K and Strop. Have honed the edge lightly but I'm sure how much bevel should show before taking the blade to the strop. I am getting a nice even bevel but I don't want to over do it. Any thoughts?

I like to use the 8K and hone in bright light with a very light touch until the edge flashes in my eye from excessive brightness of polish. I also read out the draw on the strop, which you may need time to learn.

Thank you, I have a nice even bevel and the brightness you mentioned but what do you mean by "I also read out the draw on the strop"?

He is talking about other post in the strops section..

Originally Posted by Snowhawk

Hello Gentlemen, I have just purchased my first straight razor, a Norton 4K/8K and Strop. Have honed the edge lightly but I'm sure how much bevel should show before taking the blade to the strop. I am getting a nice even bevel but I don't want to over do it. Any thoughts?

Are you asking about the width of the bevel? It doesn't need to be a certain width. Some will be very thin and some will be wider, it doesn't matter. As long as the bevel extends all the way to the cutting edge and is even from end to end you are okay.

----Michael

In fact, you can't control the width of your bevel lest you use a jig to hold the razor at an angle other then flat down with the spine resting on the hone. The width is just a function of the geometry of the blade.

If you're examining this under a microscope, look for striations running sideways, or double (or more) bevel lines which will show up as lines parallel to the blade. Once the bevel is fine, look for consistent striations perpendicular to the blade. I also look for the nice polish reflection in a bright light as others have mentioned. I get this mirror like off a Shapton 15k. A bit less so just off the Norton 8k, but still in the ballpark.

Originally Posted by Snowhawk

Hello Gentlemen, I have just purchased my first straight razor, a Norton 4K/8K and Strop. Have honed the edge lightly but I'm sure how much bevel should show before taking the blade to the strop. I am getting a nice even bevel but I don't want to over do it. Any thoughts?

Hi Snowhawk,

I hope this helps you. Assuming we are only talking about a razor in good condition, don't rely on how the edge "looks" but on how it feels only. There are two edge tests that will serve you very well once you learn to use them correctly.

While honing use the thumb nail to test your edge. This test will tell you when to go to the strop.

After stropping use the thumb pad to test the edge. This test will give an accurate indication that the edge is shave ready.

Both of these are time tested standards that you must learn.

There should be a description of each here on SRP. Any old American standard barbering textbook will also have these. (In fact, I have posted instructions from the texts for both tests here on SRP).

Scott

Snow,
Look at the edge under magnification and you'll be surprised at what that will tell you about your edge, the bevel, and the evenness of the hone from toe to heel. Many razors come from the factory with the toe (forward curved edge useful for that hollow between your neck and your throat) dull or worse with chips out of it. I've bought new razors and seen this lots of times. A good magnifier to get is from Radio Shack for about $20 as it is lighted, about as big as a Zippo lighter, and goes to about 100x. Also, the BEST way to know if you have honed enough is to shave. Your face will tell you.