Thread: Bevel setting problem on a fiili #10

Most times the problem you are describing comes from prior wear (as a result of previous honing) on the razor. Good advice has been given already. You may also want to to either circles or chisel strokes on the area on the one side you are having problems with and then back to working both sides.

Have fun.

As said the razor probably has spine wear issues, first try 2 new layers of tape, and ink the bevels, if that does not reach the edge, hone in chisel strokes as said, back and forth strokes, knife type strokes. But hone the razor in 3 parts. Hone the 1 inch of the toe, then the middle, then the heel.

Just focusing on these spots will cause you to put just a bit of pressure there and reach the edge. This is an exaggerated circle or rolling x stroke.

You probably will not need many strokes to fully set the bevels. Then rolling X strokes will smooth the transition spots and fully set the bevel.

When you use an X stroke you move the pressure across the bevel from heel to toe. Straight strokes concentrate pressure in the center of the blade.

90 percent of honing is problem identification and solving. 10 percent is done on the stone. Sometimes we get lucky and get away with just a few straight strokes and think it is easy to do. The reality is very few razors are straight and flat. As you begin to recognize issues, your edges will improve.

Everyone loves it when a razor hones up great with no issues, but these problem razors are the ones that you really learn from.

I've sometimes wondered if some of the NOS razors are NOS because the person who was honing had a good eye and set them aside.

That's exactly it. Started off on touch ups from a pro honed razor, then got some razors that could be brought to life from a 5k, I then set a few bevels from a 1k quite easily and am now finding razors that I'm really starting to learn how to hone properly.