Thread: different size razors

This would be a question for really anyone that hones. from the easiest to the hardest razors to hone in relationship to the size of the blade. 3/8-4/8-5/8 and so on. for me the small blades require me to be more careful and watchful of what i'm doing. again every one has there favorite size razors. The largest I've honed would be the 7/8 wade and butcher and the smallest is the 4/8 tuckmar. This is just something I've been thinking about and thought I would through it out there and see what other folks thought.

I think part of what makes small razors hard is that it is really hard to wok them because of the size. I do not have giant hands but manipulating those little blades on the hones is tricky. Not quite as tricky as a Wilkinson Sword Empire blade, but it does take a little finesse. Perhaps it is simple with practice.

I've found 4/8 not problematic to hone at all, if their geometry is in order. You have slightly less leverage on the hone, but that shouldn't really be an issue is you have a bit of experience honing. I also once honed a 4/8 Tückmar, a real pleasure on the stones and face. On the other hand, I have a 6/8 stubtail Bengall that took me four or five long sittings to get right. For me it's more about the consistency of the grind than size.

I think with smaller razors the slightest movement has a larger relative affect than the same movement on a larger razor. That said it al comes down to a razor by razor basis and wear, grind and steel all affect how it performs on the hones. Some seem to come along all by themselves and others are just a hard fought battle. I Find the razor tends to make more difference than size.

I agree. If geometry is right there's no problem. But i believe the problem with the smaller blades is keeping them flat to the hone, they can easily be tilted to the heal or toe as well JMO.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I think part of what makes small razors hard is that it is really hard to wok them because of the size. I do not have giant hands but manipulating those little blades on the hones is tricky. Not quite as tricky as a Wilkinson Sword Empire blade, but it does take a little finesse. Perhaps it is simple with practice.

Same problem here. my hands aren't quite gigantic but the fingers are short and a size 14 1/2 ring. Arthritis don't help. It just seems the 6/8 and larger are easier for me.

Originally Posted by outback

I agree. If geometry is right there's no problem. But i believe the problem with the smaller blades is keeping them flat to the hone, they can easily be tilted to the heal or toe as well JMO.

I agree with outback. Smaller blades are a bit harder to keep flat on the hone as well as the strop. They're not so bad. Just have to be a bit more careful.

yep gotta agree I have to be very diligent with the smaller 4/8" razors as I tend roll them a lot easier on the hones & strop

I agree with Substance; 4/8 blades are very demanding to hone. As a corollary of this, I think 7/8 blades are the easiest. I mean this seriously, I've only honed 4 or 5 big blades but they've all gone well. On the other hand, I've had no end of trouble with the smaller razors, especially wedge grinds.