Thread: Experimenting with Finishing Methods?

Hello all,

I just started honing (literally within the past week). I have had success achieving satisfactory sharpness based on the thumbpad test, hanging hair test, and shave tests with all three blades that I currently have (Ralf Aust 5/8, Filarmonica Novodur 13, and Wester Bros De-Fi).

My current process is somewhat of a hybrid based on affordability mainly:
-1K Ceramic Stone for bevel setting using the burr method
-5 micron lapping film
-3 micron lapping film

I do not advance to the next step until the bevel is 90+% clean from the prior step's scratches.

And finishing one of a number of ways:
-1 micron lapping film over paper
-adding lather to the above
-12-15K Imperia la Roccia with water
-following with Nano cloth loaded with CrOx, .125 CBN, or both

-I strop on my SRD Black Latigo (50-60 laps) prior to the shave regardless of the honing/finishing process.

I finished my Wester Bros yesterday using the 1 micron lapping film over paper, and noticed my shave was a bit harsh. While I could live with it for sure, I am curious if any of my other available methods would smooth it out a bit in comparison.

My question is: Would taking the blade through any of my other finishing options right now be an accurate representation of how that finishing option would treat the blade if I had not done the film over paper step, or will I have to somehow undo the finishing process prior to trying another method?

I am a tinkerer at heart, but my scientific background makes me want to isolate variables as much as feasible. Any guidance regarding accurate comparison of various finishing methods on the same blade without starting from scratch would be greatly appreciated.

Here's my newly acquired Wester Bros. I polished the blade a bit, but left the patina on the tang at the request of my wife, as she thought it may look cool. After doing it, I agree.

Is that patina or bluing on the tang? Some older razors were blued. Looks nice regardless. I usually go through a standard regimen when testing stones. Bevel set normally on 2k synth, then 5k synth then natural finishing stone. If it's a particularly fine or not very fast finishing stone I sometimes also throw in an 8k and even 12k synth prior.

Very nice blade, sir and welcome!

Sorry if the question may seem obtuse, but it needs asking. Did you strop before shaving? How many laps?

It might be useful to edit the post and add how many strokes and what type your are using for each stage and finishing method, as well.

I'm sure guys with film honing experience will chime in soon.

Again, welcome

Originally Posted by eKretz

Is that patina or bluing on the tang? Some older razors were blued. Looks nice regardless. I usually go through a standard regimen when testing stones. Bevel set normally on 2k synth, then 5k synth then natural finishing stone. If it's a particularly fine or not very fast finishing stone I sometimes also throw in an 8k and even 12k synth prior.

I think it's patina, but a blued tang would be really cool. I will see if I can find a picture of a nicer De-Fi, to see if they were ever blued.

Sorry if the question may seem obtuse, but it needs asking. Did you strop before shaving? How many laps?

It might be useful to edit the post and add how many strokes and what type your are using for each stage and finishing method, as well.

Nice catch. I will certainly fix the above. I do 50-60 laps on my SRD black latigo prior to shaving. As for the other steps, I work until the bevel is 90+% clean of the prior step's scratches with no set lap count.

Originally Posted by DocMartin0321

-1K Ceramic Stone for bevel setting using the burr method

What is That ?????

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What is That ?????

I'm wondering that too...

are u taking some knife sharpening principles into razor honing?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What is That ?????

That's what I was asking myself, but what I don't know can fit in >>>>the tardis

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What is That ?????

I believe that is when you hone outside. *groan*

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

I believe that is when you hone outside. *groan*

Nooooooooooo that's the Brrrrrrrr Method


Soooooooo bad


To the OP we are by no means making fun of you we are all friends here and very bad Comics

The burr method was used and demonstrated by a guy that uses the name Slash McCoy on another forum (maybe this one too, not sure). You do passes on one side until you have a very mild but appreciable burr (or wire edge seen with a loupe) along the entire edge, then repeat on the other side. This is followed by alternating passes to even the whole thing out (maybe 20-50) until the blade easily shaves hair from arm or leg. It seems like a way to ensure that you are establishing a new bevel along the entire blade bilaterally. I saw him do it on a YouTube video. It has worked for me without issue so far.

So is there anything that I need to do to "reset" the edge prior to trying another finishing technique in order to know that the smoothness of the edge is a result of the "new" finishing method?

I guess another way of asking is:
Say I have a nice sharp edge using a set of Naniwas all the way up to 12K, but I just want to see what the edge would feel like on the face if it was finished on a Jnat. Would the edge need to be altered in any way prior to using the Jnat in order to be confident that the difference you are feeling on your face was because of the Jnat?