Thread: Need Help Sharpening Razor

Speculation time!!! This is probably wrong! But I like been corrected

Is the blunt spot about 1 inch in from the heel?

This is a guess but if you put the razor on a glass block I suspect you have a high spot either on the shoulder, or where the shoulder meets the spine. Or a high shank. That's causing the blade to change angle mid stroke.

Try using 1 layer of tape, Applied so it starts 1/8" before the shoulder, And when you hone, Hone heel forward at an angle so none of the shoulder touches the stone at all.

If the spot is 1 inch away from the toe it could be you dropping your elbow as you hone. This will twist the razor into the hone and try to add a partial second bevel as you finish the stroke. To remedy is sit straight backed as you hone and move your hone to an angle where your elbow doesn't need to move for the stroke.

I suspect the reason we are not seeing the second bevel in full is the 4K has removed enough material that the 8K side simply isn't touching that spot at all.

Okay, after finding this thread and seeing the pictures, I have to agree with Oz on this one. It looks like the bevel hasn't been completely set. Granted, this is what my novice eyes are seeing, but I would bet a wooden nickel that either it just needs more time setting the bevel or, less likely, the blade geometry is off or you're not keeping good contact with the spine while trying to set the bevel. Another possibility is that your stones aren't lapped well, making it difficult to get the bevel set completely. Either way, you've either been grinding away so much to create a wire edge, which is doubtful, or it just needs some time and/or finesse on the hones to set the bevel.

This is also assuming you're working with a decent quality blade and not a razor shaped object.

Can you tell us what kind of razor this is, or, better yet, post some more pics?

If it's a good razor that can be fixed, I'll certainly give it a try on my Norton stones for ya.

Edit: after reading your latest PM, and for those following this thread, I understand that this is an unmarked razor.

I'm still happy to take a look to see if we can get you set up. I can't promise anything, but we can certainly try.

Just PM me about when you're free and we'll work something out about when.

One word, "Weight of the blade", I could be wrong, it has been known to happen from time to time.

Originally Posted by guitstik

One word, "Weight of the blade", I could be wrong, it has been known to happen from time to time.

You are wrong... That's four words!

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself)