Thread: Zowada method again

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Ahhhhhh and there you just answered the question..

Now you would never actually need to do the Double/Micro-bevel again on that Hart, if you just start the honing with two layers of tape (Assumption on my part) there is no need now for a micro bevel the final honing angle would be the same.. So if the micro-bevel works to smooth up the edge or eliminate micro chips then you now know that razor simply needs a steeper angle..
That also answers the question above about longevity, a full bevel at the correct angle for that razor, will outlast a Micro-bevel at the same angle, that is just simple geometry...

Please test it yourselves and see

Yep! +1 x 100....

You can micro bevel without the tape. Hone a blade through the whole progression heel leading, like using 1 1/2 inch of the width of the stone, then do your final finish laps straight on to x strokes. If you look at the edge with a loupe thats what you should get.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Ahhhhhh and there you just answered the question..

Now you would never actually need to do the Double/Micro-bevel again on that Hart, if you just start the honing with two layers of tape (Assumption on my part) there is no need now for a micro bevel the final honing angle would be the same.. So if the micro-bevel works to smooth up the edge or eliminate micro chips then you now know that razor simply needs a steeper angle..
That also answers the question above about longevity, a full bevel at the correct angle for that razor, will outlast a Micro-bevel at the same angle, that is just simple geometry...

Please test it yourselves and see

Thank you for the note.
And I know that I have to test this myself.

To clarify - If I had done a 1 layer 4/8/12 and followed with a 2 layer 12K wt of the razor 12-14 strokes / Crox /Strop / Shave...
Would the next touch up be 2 layer 12K? (and I would assume that would be a place to start, and if that did not work go back to? (2 layer to bevel set or repeat my 1 layer to 2 layer cycle)

Forgive the novice questions as I think my rookie success is more luck than skill. (It worked but I don't know why)

Originally Posted by bill3152

You can micro bevel without the tape. Hone a blade through the whole progression heel leading, like using 1 1/2 inch of the width of the stone, then do your final finish laps straight on to x strokes. If you look at the edge with a loupe thats what you should get.

may be wrong but do not think it is possible to achieve a Micro Bevel without using tape in the final stages.

....tape thread............

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

may be wrong but do not think it is possible to achieve a Micro Bevel without using tape in the final stages.

Well if you look at the edge with a loupe you will see a small distinct microbevel.

Originally Posted by MJC

Thank you for the note.
And I know that I have to test this myself.

To clarify - If I had done a 1 layer 4/8/12 and followed with a 2 layer 12K wt of the razor 12-14 strokes / Crox /Strop / Shave...
Would the next touch up be 2 layer 12K? (and I would assume that would be a place to start, and if that did not work go back to? (2 layer to bevel set or repeat my 1 layer to 2 layer cycle)

Forgive the novice questions as I think my rookie success is more luck than skill. (It worked but I don't know why)

Touch up yes, you would be correct just use 2 layers of tape with the 12k, or the 8k and then 12k, (I tend to drop 2 and go when doing touch ups)

But the next time you re-set the bevel on that razor, you would simply use 2 layers of tape from the get go and be done with it it would be the exact same bevel angle at the end as doing the Micro-Bevel..

You do however have to take into account the human factor when honing also, you said yourself "followed with a 2 layer 12K wt of the razor 12-14 strokes / Crox /Strop / Shave" what you are doing there is creating a finishing routine, so you have to follow that same routine when finishing to get the same results as when you used the Micro-Bevel...
What I am pointing out is it is very easy to attribute good results to a reason other than simply paying attention to the honing Think about that for a second

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What I am pointing out is it is very easy to attribute good results to a reason other than simply paying attention to the honing Think about that for a second

Oh that I have been thinking about it, hence my question about my rookie success.

I had been getting steadily better in the "conventional" bevel set to finish routine.
But some times I would have to send a razor back after a shave test, not terrible but not good enough.

And I know that when we try something new we tend to stay extra focused on the process. (Hey, this is all new to me)
The new for me was refreshing razors that I had not honed, that had started to fade and that have had the Crox/Diamond treatment once before.

One had been honed by some guy in Idaho (A Max Sprecher) and the other two were Harts, 6/8 and 7/8 - all in good condition (no chips, damage) but not performing at their best.

I probably did not have to drop back to 4K, but I did and followed the routine for all three.
Today I shaved with the Hart 6/8 Baxter and all I can think is "I hope I can do that (honing) again..." - it was that wonderful.

Pay attention to the honing - listen to the razor (and keep your elbow up and sit up straight)

Thanks for the help..

Well you are for sure asking the right questions,

Seems smoother to me....I hone with no tape on some razors ...and added a piece after I was done on the 12k,and did 5-7 strokes ....nice!!! Hey ...a guy who MAKES razors for a living has got to know a wee bit...yah Think ??????