Thread: Honing help

I seem to have a continuing struggle with honing my latest is I have two razors that will audibly pop arm hairs but I'm under the impression that they should silently just fall as does a John barber from Andrew mossy my question is what should my next step be for this razor to make the edge even better I only own a norton 4/8k and pasted and un pasted strops they shave ok but could be better I feel thanks

Originally Posted by JackAkers

I seem to have a continuing struggle with honing my latest is I have two razors that will audibly pop arm hairs but I'm under the impression that they should silently just fall as does a John barber from Andrew mossy my question is what should my next step be for this razor to make the edge even better I only own a norton 4/8k and pasted and un pasted strops they shave ok but could be better I feel thanks

Ideally you would need a 1k and a finishing stone.

Pictures taken close up would help.

Really struggling to get close enough pictures that show anything it feels ok off the hone for a tpt seems evenly sharp down the length of the blade I also feel as if I maybe loosing a bit when I go to the 8k

Originally Posted by JackAkers

Really struggling to get close enough pictures that show anything it feels ok off the hone for a tpt seems evenly sharp down the length of the blade I also feel as if I maybe loosing a bit when I go to the 8k

When you come off the 4k make sure its sticky to the thumb pad and cuts arm hair at skin level.
Check that there is no light bouncing of the very edge of the blade because if there is then that means you have not honed rite to the edge.
Try using just a slight touch of pressure on the 8k, maybe try up to 20 laps?
I've never used the nortons myself so I'm not sure how they work.

Thank you I will give it ago just seems I'm struggling to get that perfect edge

First, be aware that HHT is a parlor trick, and may have nothing to do with the shave, which should be your end goal.There are so many variables to HHT, the biggest the hair used.

With what you have you should easily produce a very keen and comfortable shaving edge, with the proper technique.

Do begin your learning with the first three threads in the Honing Forum and the Maintaining Razors in the Library.

Good lighted magnification will also help you see if you are making progress.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Norton 4/8 and were afraid to ask in one spot

Pay attention to a few of those vids there are some advanced finishing techniques in there that will change your mind about what a Norton 8k can really do

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

Did you try shaving with it? I can't tell from your post. Norton 4-8k and strop has worked for a lot of people. You said that you felt you lost some bite off the 8k that could easily be because the edge is smoother with less tooth than off the 4k.

I just reread your post. And you said they shave ok but could be better. How's your stropping? Can you strop a razor honed by someone else to a satisfactory edge?
Just trying to eliminate possible problems.

If you can then maybe it's the hone. Nortons like any other hones need a good initial lapping before they start to shine.

Yeah I have shaved with it and I can get ok shaves from my honing I have been using straights for about 15 months i just can't seem to get that extra bit out of the blade I'm happy with the bevel setting and my honing technic is improving maybe a finishing stone would help ?