Thread: Setting a bevel

Hi all,

I'm new here. Hi!

I have been working on learning how to set bevels on straight razors that don't have one already. I've been using 1 piece of electrical tape on the spine. I'm not new at all to maintaining the edge, resharpening already pro set razors, stroping, and so on. Just the bevel setting part is new to me.

I start on a 220 norton, 1000 norton, 4k shapton glass, 8k shapton glass, then a 12k naniwa.

I'm having an issue with the heel not getting a great edge at times.

I jeep the spine level with the stone, then I typically place my pointer fingers on the blade to just make sure it maintains even contact, then my thumbs push it along the stones.

Any tips would be appreciated.
Ciara

Try a heel leading stroke, something around 30-45 degrees. I would save the 220 grit for the really chipped up restores. Lots of good info in the shaving wiki. Welcome btw.

Thank you! I'll try that, good idea. I appreciate the help.

it helps to rub a marker on the edge (gently) and check it after a pass or two. this will tell you if you are making even contact all along the edge. some razors have issues that keep them from making proper contact.

Originally Posted by tintin

it helps to rub a marker on the edge (gently) and check it after a pass or two. this will tell you if you are making even contact all along the edge. some razors have issues that keep them from making proper contact.

Thank you, I've been using a sharpie along the edge, and I notice every time it's the dang heel. I think I might have more pressure on the toe or something? It's frustrating because I'm setting bevels, so they need to be perfect. >

I'm a believer in this school of bevel setting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP4cP-aY-Wk

Have fun!

Originally Posted by jeffus

I'm a believer in this school of bevel setting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP4cP-aY-Wk

Have fun!

Yesssss thank you. Fun? Ehhh I'm not so sure, but at least maybe I can get better at it!

Look in the wiki, I think rolling X strokes are your answer.

The shortcut (if there is one) is to attend a Meet or reach out for a Mentor in the area.
An hour with a mentor will save you days/weeks+ of frustration.

The best advice I found when starting out:

Start with a Pro Honed razor(s)
Learn how to maintain with Crox and/or diamond spay or...
Learn how to "touch up" a razor that is not damaged but is loosing its edge with a Barbers Hone or a Finisher.

Then re-hone a razor from 4K and working up..
Then tackle a razor from bevel up starting at 1K.

And it's hard enough to learn on a razor that does not have "issues" (chips, un-even hone wear, warped etc.) another reason to start with something honed by a pro.

Oh, and keep your elbow up....

Try to make sure that all of the edge is pushing water. A simple but effective tip