Thread: Blade doesn't sit flat on stone

Originally Posted by Moonshae

Hi folks,

I have a couple razors that don't quite sit flat on the stone, so I am reluctant to hone them without getting some advice. It seems to be the heel side is slightly elevated when the blade is resting on the stone. I know it isn't the stone because I did the grid with pencil and lapped, and other razors sit perfectly flat in the same place on the stone.

Should I send them off to a pro rather than attempt myself, or is there a way to either correct this or work with it? I can take and upload some pictures if needed.

Thanks!

My advice is Yes! Send it out to a Pro! Right now there is so much more important things to learn than honing/especially 'wonky' blades.

Once you have a pro hone your razor, you will have something to judge your work against.

If you would PM me I'll put in touch with my favorite Pro. I do hone my own now, but I waited over a year and a half before I started learning and I am in his eternal debt for helping me get to the point that I am in that others enjoy my edges.

I find that the vast majority of those new to this age old art want to learn right away and in reality it's the last thing that they need to learn.

Be patient, the time will come and after knowing what the edge should be like, then you will be very satisfied when you reach that level.

Thanks!

I already have a few razors that were pro honed. I can keep those edges maintained, but I know I need practice bringing up a dull edge. I just wasn't sure if these were something I should be trying or if I should just stick to razors that sit flat for now. You pretty much answered my question.

Are they smiling blades ? If they are ..... or if they aren't, they probably need a rolling x stroke. If you have one that is like that, and isn't an expensive razor, try the rolling x. Good thing to learn. Rolling X stroke - Straight Razor Place Library

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Are they smiling blades ? If they are ..... or if they aren't, they probably need a rolling x stroke. If you have one that is like that, and isn't an expensive razor, try the rolling x. Good thing to learn. Rolling X stroke - Straight Razor Place Library

They aren't smiling blades, but that's probably exactly what is needed. I may give it a try on one and see what happens. None of the razors are particularly expensive.

Photos of the razors would be helpful in advising you. What brand of razors are they?

It could be they are warped, not unusual and happens regularly during heat treatment and not really a defect, very few razors are straight and sit flat.

Or they could have a high stabilizer.

On at least one, uneven spine wear is the clear culprit. I didn't look closely at the others to see. Fixing that is beyond me for now, so I'll send them out.