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

[TrilliumLT]

Ok ill give it a go. I skipped it when epd and Maxi were doing it.
Last week I set the bevel on one of my razors and never got back to it. I will post up my results tomorrow.

[gssixgun]

It is one of the best ahhhhaaaa moments to have with honing..

It makes the statement "90% of honing occurs at the bevel setting stage" really come into focus doesn't it

[Siguy]

Absolutely. I'm a bit taken back as to how floored I am with this achievement. The bevel is actually cloudy! No scratches!!!

Definitely, an "IS-THIS-FUREAAAL!!!" moment. I now know I've GOT to revisit a bunch of razors. I'll bet the Sheffields might take a while. Who knows...

[MJC]

I'm in...thanks for the reminder..

[JimmyHAD]

Sounds interesting but AFAIC, I'll have to quote what my ex wife used to say, "Let's not and say we did." ........

[earcutter]

A thousand vendors just raised the price on their 1k's - eBay just got flooded with guys selling off their stones over 1k!

Lol!

This doesn't surprise me at all, though I doubt I would have thought of ever trying it. I will now though.

Thanks for posting - fun

[ScoutHikerDad]

I've got to try this. I'm probably sometimes one of those guys who was "kidding myself" that I had a fully set bevel on some past razors: "I'll just get it on the 4k."

[Siguy]

You just described my honing to a T up until now. I've never honed with anybody else, let alone honed before straights.... What do I know, right? Now, I know. True eureka moment. I really worked at it.

[TrilliumLT]

1K shave done. In truth it was what I expected. Shaved like a razor needing a touch up.