Thread: Using the pyramid method for honing

Getting your bevel set on the 1k should be your primary concern. Nothing else matters until you get it set. I need for my edge to be shaving arm hair across the entire length of the edge at skin level to even think about moving on in my progression. There really is no substitute to finding your own sharpness tests because of how subjective they are. I found that through trial and error and keeping track of each was i able to improve my edges. Finding one or two razors that you don't mind possibly screwing up would be my first step. Just keep reading and watching the honing stuff on this sight and on youtube (Lynn and Glens are the most complete and comprehensive that I found) and things will eventually click.

Just curious but what made you decide the pyramid was the way to go?

One way to practice the thumb-pad test is to buy a DE blade and use a wet thumb-pad to practice on it. Could also dull one side slightly to compare sides.

Can you give us a little more info? What razor, what condition, what stones, what result you're looking for?

Either a pyramid or individual stones will both work equally well when you understand what you're doing. And neither will work if you don't know what you're doing.

Thanks to all of you guys for your replies

Ultimately I'm looking for a shaveready edge. I know it's going to take a while, but thats my long term goal. I have bought a few stones in preparation of my honing adventures: 1k naniva, 4k/8k norton and 12k naniva. I also bought a few razors of ebay, so I guess I'm just going to select one of those and give it a go. All are in good condition, no rust, no chips in the edge and minimal honewear.

My plan was to first learn how to set a bevel correctly. I read about the tomato test, where I would take a cherrytomato and see if I could cut into it; like in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utfg9VZTVVY

Another test I'l use is the shave-armhair-at-skinlevel-test, and see what I learn from it.
I also read about the "sticky" feeling of a set bevel edge, but again, that depends on how callus my hands is. I will definitly try the wet DE blade method you described sticky.
I guess I'm going to have to give it a shot and see what I learn from it.

The reason I chose the pyramid method is that it seems to be the method with the least amout of guesswork. I always have a hard time learning new things if I dont have a referencepoint, in this case, how the edge should feel, when I'm done with a given stone.

Well I'd stick with shaving arm hair all along the blade, then popping hanging arm hair all along the blade, instead of tomatoes. Not that there's anything wrong with tomatoes. And use the thumb nail test and get a loupe.
If you haven't got one, this is good:
Jewelers Loupe 30x Magnifier 25mm Glass Lens Magnifying Illuminated Lighted LED | eBay
I think the sticky test is probably the craziest test, cause you've got no idea what sticky feels like, and everything kinda feels sticky, until you finally put a good edge on - and it actually is sticky, but by then you know how to hone.

Originally Posted by Ostekongen

Thanks to all of you guys for your replies

Ultimately I'm looking for a shaveready edge. I know it's going to take a while, but thats my long term goal. I have bought a few stones in preparation of my honing adventures: 1k naniva, 4k/8k norton and 12k naniva. I also bought a few razors of ebay, so I guess I'm just going to select one of those and give it a go. All are in good condition, no rust, no chips in the edge and minimal honewear.

My plan was to first learn how to set a bevel correctly. I read about the tomato test, where I would take a cherrytomato and see if I could cut into it; like in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utfg9VZTVVY

Another test I'l use is the shave-armhair-at-skinlevel-test, and see what I learn from it.
I also read about the "sticky" feeling of a set bevel edge, but again, that depends on how callus my hands is. I will definitly try the wet DE blade method you described sticky.
I guess I'm going to have to give it a shot and see what I learn from it.

The reason I chose the pyramid method is that it seems to be the method with the least amout of guesswork. I always have a hard time learning new things if I dont have a referencepoint, in this case, how the edge should feel, when I'm done with a given stone.

The cherry tomatoe test like any test works well if you know how to use it, I would say the best edge probing test is the thumb pad test you just get so much out of it. I gave up using magnification while honing due to the fact that I was honing for looks instead of honing for sharp shave readiness. I figured if it was shiny it would shave.. Keep that in mind.

About the pyramid method I have tried it in the past and failed miserably. It is unfortunate but I gave up on it and sold my water stones. I hope you can pull through and figure it out. It takes a lot of guess work out of honing but not all. Different blades require different things. Keep us posted on your progress and good luck!

Most importantly you should enjoy what you are doing

Shaving arm hair also works. The only issue I see with this is: should the hair be shaven off easily at skinlevel or is it ok if it tugs a little?
Setting the bevel is apparently 80-90% of the honing process, so I guess I would do well to lean that first...

The arm hair test should be done half way up the hair shaft or higher for the shave ready test, not at skin level. A well made bevel off of the 1k stone will easily cut hair at skin level, that is my test for moving up to a higher grit stone.

I haven't done pyramids for a long time but they worked well after a bevel was properly set on a 1k

Originally Posted by Ostekongen

Shaving arm hair also works. The only issue I see with this is: should the hair be shaven off easily at skinlevel or is it ok if it tugs a little?
Setting the bevel is apparently 80-90% of the honing process, so I guess I would do well to lean that first...