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.