Thread: New Hones, a Troublesome Vintage....

I decided to add to my 12k Naniwa finishing stone and get a Norton 220/1k Combo a well as a Norton 4k/8k combo. A local retailer had a deal I couldn't refuse so I got them well discounted. Having used the 12k a few times I had a pretty good idea how things would go...

I touched up 3 razors on the 4k/8k that were all new production and had set bevels, so I had no need to go down to the 1k. Those blades came out great! I took my time and went through 2 short and 1 long pyramid progression, did a final polish on the 12k and voila...great shavers.

I then decided to take out my nemesis...a 5/8 vintage from Whipped Dog. It was my first straight, and has a couple of challenges for sure. Significant hone wear on the spine (seemingly even), a well widened bevel as a result, and a nice chip that I put there with the help of my sink and faucet...alas....time to grind away a bit of metal on the 1k and bring it back to life....right?!?

I had to take it to the 220 briefly to get the chip out...no biggie. I then went to set the bevel on the 1k...and thought I had done well...went through the pyramids...and the edge just wouldn't come to life. I then took the 1k back out, used a marker...and the heel just won't hit the stone on either side of the blade. 45 degree angle of attack, circles, none of it. I applied a bit or torque...nope! So in short, I have a 2/3 sharp, 1/3 dull challenging razor. Granted I am a total greenhorn to honing, hence why my good geometry razors went fine...

So any theories on how one like me might learn from this wretched razor so I can make it a thing of beauty once again?

TIA,
Ted

Two to three layers of tape To set bevel. Remove one layer and continue on.

A photo would help, but my guess without one is that the edge is worn to the shoulder/stabilizer and that shoulder is preventing the heel end of the blade from touching the hone.

Originally Posted by Utopian

A photo would help, but my guess without one is that the edge is worn to the shoulder/stabilizer and that shoulder is preventing the heel end of the blade from touching the hone.

Pics on the way...hang tight 2 minutes....

Both sides of the blade
The hone wear is not me...well not all of it. Those pics were taken after my attempt to hone, but 99% of that was there prior to me giving this a go.

Start with 2 layers of tape and see how it goes, if it's still hard to hone add another layer (or more)

Originally Posted by rodb

Start with 2 layers of tape and see how it goes, if it's still hard to hone add another layer (or more)

After 3 layers it gets dicey. If it takes more than 3 I would send it out to a pro. That is just me. YMMV.

Whelp...looks like a couple of layers of tape it is! I am going to give that a shot...in the interim if anyone has any other advice to lend I am listening!

Thanks for the quick responses. Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by Chevhead

Two to three layers of tape To set bevel. Remove one layer and continue on.

Three layers then down to two layer. Will that get the entire razor, from heel to toe, more evenly on the stone? Ted basically described my last 6 honing sessions...

Also, just read about holding the razor with the thumb and finger on the sides of the tang, rather than with the thumb on top to avoid too much pressure...I'd been honing with my thumb on top. Thought I'd mention that as well for an FYI for Ted....I haven't tried it yet, just read it myself here in another thread...

Send it to whoever honed it last time to fix it for you?