BBS off the 1K -- 1K shave test

[Siguy]

I'm....stunned and embarrassed. I just took the http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-1k-shave.html .

I stayed within the parameters set. Used my King 1K(with Nag slurry and without), 50 felt, 80 leather. No sprays or pastes.

Well, to prep myself mentally, I watched a video an SRP member filming Lynn set a bevel on a Chosera 1K very carefully listening to his descriptions of how the edge changes using the TPT and how the other SRP member also described the change of edge during the bevel set progression. Reviewing Glen's post on his breakdown of the most popular bevel setting stones and what to expect, long version here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...l-setting.html

So, the only bevel setter I know is the one I have, a King 1K. Anticipating it being quite slower than what I saw Lynn doing on the Chosera, I taped up my Kobar High Class, and got down to business. The change of the edge was slooooow. So, I slurried on the 1K with the Nagura stone(thanks for the recommend, Glen). Faster, but still slow. I was using the TPT for sharpeness, the magnification test and TNT to check for chips(there was 1 area) and the HHT or tree-top test. Oh, and marker.

I spend lots of careful time honing, checking and honing, all the while, in the back of my mind was how far beyond Lynn's routine I was taking things. But, the edge just wasn't there. I kept my expectations high and soldiered on, finishing things up this morning with weight of the blade circles and strokes. I was happy with all the tests and it was popping arm hair like crazy. 50 on the felt, 80 on the leather and looked at the edge under magnification. I was surprised. Not mirror, but the edge looked milky, cloudy, not mirror, but not scratches. What! Whatt!!?!?!

The shave was WONDERFUL. I can tell you that if I had to, I could use a 1K shave like this the rest of my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true.

I prepped as per usual and didn't expect to get past the north-south pass. As soon as I began and to my sheer delight, I knew I would be able to complete my normal routing with *no* problem.

So, a north-south pass, an east-west pass, a west-east pass, and finally a south-north pass. No nicks or weepers, no redness or irritation, no burn with the Thayers...

The chief lesson I learned: I've been "kidding myself" when it comes to having the bevel set(quoting Glen).

As said, I'm thrilled and encourage you to take the 1K shave test also. It was humbling.

Simon