Thread: Should I try to tackle this (very difficult, IMHO) challenge?

Originally Posted by Euclid440

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To ink just the edge, run the sharpie on the edge and let it bite into the sharpie just a bit. You will ink the edge and a 32nd or so, on both sides of the bevel.

Will try inking just the edge tonight and see what it shows. I've been inking each side of the bevel.

One of the things that I am not getting a feel for from the closeup pics

Is the entire bevel beginning to even up, are you getting a nice gentle smile along the whole edge

Looks much better, but still needs some more work on the toe and especially the heel.

The Stria at the toe also needs straightening out, (perpendicular to the edge). You can do straight strokes with the curved edge perpendicular with the edge of the stone, so that the razor is at about 45 degrees, (Heel back) to the edge of the stone, to hone the tip of the toe and the curve of the toe.

Start at the tip and do over lapping strokes covering about a ½ inch of the edge at a time until you get to the flatter part of the edge. Keep reducing the angle, moving the heel forward, until the edge middle is perpendicular to the edge.

Once you are honing all the way to the edge, at the toe, you will have a slightly faceted edge. Then do X strokes, working just the toe, to blend and smooth the curved edge. Much like you would freehand hone the tip of a large knife.

This is just a bevel setting technique for problem toes and heels, not a regular honing technique.

Do the same with the heel, only reversed, with the heel forward about 45 degrees. You will also need to adjust the razor/stone angle, lifting slightly, the part of the razor that is opposite the part you are working on, heel or toe, to make full contact. The spine and the edge tip will still be on the stone but the whole spine and edge will not be on the stone. (The Gymnastics)

Here again ink will tell you, if you are making good contact.

I think you are getting real close, just need a little more...

Thanks Euclid440! I wish I would have read this before I honed tonight. Lots to think about for sure. I'll give this a try over the weekend. I agree that I need to lift the other end a bit. Without doing that, I cannot get to the toe for sure. You can see for this set of pictures that there is still some ink at heel and toe, and on the edge you can see some shiny spots. It is starting to cut hairs though, so getting close. The stria on the toe is because I sort of do an upside down J stroke on that rolling - keeping the heel on the stone 2/3 of the way down and then starting to move off the heel towards the toe.

OK, I did some "special" strokes on the 1K (still 5 layers of tape). This time, trying to keep the curve of the edge perpendicular to the edge of the stone, working on the toe only, and raising the heel up off the stone. I would start with the blade perpendicular, and while moving the toe straight forward, started letting the heel fall behind. I did the same thing on the heel, trying to follow the curve, raising the toe as needed to keep contact. The blade was perpendicular to the side of the stone, and then moved so that at the end of the stroke the heel was 45 degrees or so forward. I did some light "wiper" like strokes to try to smooth out the curve and finished with some rolling X strokes, where I actually lifted the toe and then heel on the stroke.

Here are edge and bevel shots on each side.



The bevel width is about 1.25mm at the heel and 1.5mm at the toe.

I'd like to hear what you guys think about the current state. I'm really pleased with what I see on the edge meeting at the toe and heel, and the bevel looks really good.

Looks like it is coming together for you, and looks like you are learning to "Blend" the entire bevel together

Yes, looking much better.

Still just a bit at the heel and toe. I use both the heel and toe when shaving so I always spend a little extra time to ensure they are both well honed.

You have sure made some progress from where you started a few weeks ago.

Good work.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Yes, looking much better.

Still just a bit at the heel and toe. I use both the heel and toe when shaving so I always spend a little extra time to ensure they are both well honed.

You have sure made some progress from where you started a few weeks ago.

Good work.

Yes, that was what I was thinking. The stria at the toe on the right side, and the very heel seems like it is not quite meeting.

Everyone has been so helpful! I knew there would be a lot to learn about honing, but now feel like I'm only touching the tip of the iceberg, with the different variations that can be seen with razors - and I only have 5 of them - a small sample size.

PCM, Gotta say - you inspired me :]
I have a near-wedge Joseph-Allen that gave me so much trouble when I started honing it, that it simply frustrated me and I haven't touched me restore-box since.... But it's nothing compared to what that beast was when you started with it!
Way to go for determination! You got me mentally ready to get back on that 1k....

Hi
Glad to see the close pics of edges and your work.

I will be needing advise on a wedge I just bought.
I will know more when I get it in the mail.