Thread: Using diamond plates to set bevels.

I've watched some videos of straight shavers setting the bevels of their razors on diamond plates, namely the Atoma 400. then going to ceramic hones to convert the metal edge to a stone edge. I'd be interested to know, from members, whether they have gone to such an aggressive hone to set bevels on razors. Or is it a good move to set the bevel that way? I wonder if I had a TI Spartacus, or a Dovo Flowing if I'd I'd put it onto an Atoma 400 to set the bevel, no tape?

I have used my 400 for new blades and repair work and initial bevel on bad edges
Also used the 1k diamond to set the bevel for chip repairs etc
Then progress onto the Nani 1k to clean and refine the bevel as normal

I use the Atoma 400 only on GDs, for other razors I either use Sigma 400 or Chosera 600. The Atoma will leave pretty deep scratches and if you apply too much pressure it can scratch above the bevel too.

I've done it but thought 400 was too rough. The 1000-1200 diamond plates will take a lot of meat off quick and do a cleaner job of it. Then move to a 1200 synthetic or soft Arky.

I have used a DMT 320 to set a bevel just once on a badly chipped razor. I don't think I'd do it again because of the deep scratches it left that took too long on a Nani 1K to remove.

Bob

For a bevel set ???? NO !!!!

For an edge restoration ??? Yes


Yes there is a difference, and yes it is confusing

Originally Posted by gssixgun

For a bevel set ???? NO !!!!

For an edge restoration ??? Yes


Yes there is a difference, and yes it is confusing

Yes, what I was attempting was more like edge restoration rather than setting a bevel. The only way I'd try that again with a DNT 325 would be to hone at a 45 degree angle and not almost flat as I did. For bevel setting without tape on the spine, no way. Just way too much work to get rid of the scratches in the bevel and no way to add metal back to the spine that would be taken off, shudder.

Bob

Originally Posted by bobski

I wonder if I had a TI Spartacus, or a Dovo Flowing if I'd I'd put it onto an Atoma 400 to set the bevel, no tape?

To be very clear

NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just No That is a clear cut case of Razor Abuse and I will report you to the proper authorities

There is no reason to ever go that low to set a new factory bevel, in fact many of us will start in the mid-levels 3-5k to do New Razors..

A 1k is MORE then capable of doing those...



NOT directed at you, but if they need to go that low on a razor to set the bevel one of two things is going on

1. It is not just a bevel set, there is an edge issue being repaired
2. There is a loose nut behind the razor that needs honing lessons

Diamond plate cut aggressively and deeply, even at 1k. They are great for removing material quickly, during repair work.

But for regular honing, they can cause more problems, than they solve, especially in un experienced hands. You, will often spend much more time polishing out the deep stria and removing and repairing edge damage than you will by removing metal quickly with diamonds.

When you do repair work, as in GD bevel and edge correction, first you make the repair, then, hone the razor. They are separate operations.

Make repairs, as least aggressively, so you can hone a razor without having to making lengthy repairs, to the bevel and more importantly, remove as little metal as possible. Deep repair or bevel setting stria, can cause edge failure in the finish stones or even after shaving and stropping days later, from weakened steel.

For regular honing, anything lower in grit than a 1k is not needed. In fact, unless there is edge damage, dropping lower than a 4k is often not needed.

Moved to honing forum.