Thread: Double bevel enquiry

Hi guys,

I’ve never set a double bevel but since I ‘ve read that people get great results from it, I’m thinking on setting one on a razor that gives me a harsh feel when shaving. It’s most probably a bevel setting issue but I want to experiment with a double bevel before I proceed to any other action.

I’d like to ask the following please:

1) Is a double bevel usually set on troublesome razors? Does a double bevel give a mellower edge on a quality razor, with a keen and polished edge?

2) Can a double bevel be maintained through touch ups on finishing stones, with the equal number of layers of tape as when setting it?

Many thanks to all in advance.

Sorry, but I think before you proceed with that action, you should determine whether or not you do have a bevel setting issue.

Have you tried looking at the edge's reflection under a bright light?
Have you tried to look at it under magnification?
Does it at least pass the thumbnail test?

In order to keep a double bevel you would need to hone them both. Eventually if you only hone the shaving edge you will have one bevel.

I don't know what razor you would put a double bevel on it to make it shave more mellow/comfortable? Is a particular razor bothering you or shaving too harsh?

Have you been trying different pastes, mediums, stones to get the edge you desire or is your question more for edge experimentation?

Also known as a micro bevel. Tim Zowda did a thread on it a while back. It is not a new concept, woodworkers have been doing it for ever. here is one thread
http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...challenge.html I do believe there was a piece about it on Tim's web site too.

I will frequently micro-bevil my knives, but I think I would avoid it on my razors. The main purpose to a micro-bevil is usually to add strength to an edge, so I don't see it as a huge benefit on your razors. I think you should go back to your bevil-setting stone and give the blade a little more work
Have patience, it could take longer than you think it should or have seen on sharpening videos posted on YouTube.

I've had Zowada Razors with micro bevels and I see no advantage to it. With the razors I had there was no improvement in the shave quite honestly. If you have a razor with sharpness issues you just need to do a better job honing. Maybe use different hones or a different technique or maybe check the bevel is proper as a starter.

Originally Posted by ssg1

Hi guys,

I’ve never set a double bevel but since I ‘ve read that people get great results from it,
Which people would they be ? I doubt you read that here ?

I’m thinking on setting one on a razor that gives me a harsh feel when shaving. It’s most probably a bevel setting issue but I want to experiment with a double bevel before I proceed to any other action.

Ideally you should find the problem with the razor or your honing first but experimenting is fun.
Unfortunately you may draw some wrong conclusions

I’d like to ask the following please:
1) [/FONT]Is a double bevel usually set on troublesome razors? Does a double bevel give a mellower edge on a quality razor, with a keen and polished edge?

No

2) Can a double bevel be maintained through touch ups on finishing stones, with the equal number of layers of tape as when
setting it?

No, as previously mentioned, it will eventually normalise
Many thanks to all in advance.

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1) Is a double bevel usually set on troublesome razors? Does a double bevel give a mellower edge on a quality razor, with a keen and polished edge?

2) Can a double bevel be maintained through touch ups on finishing stones, with the equal number of layers of tape as when setting it?

Nope, a double bevel is use to increase the cutting angle, to make stronger or if the primary bevel is too thin.

Usually it is used to put on quick fine bevel. On an existing polished bevel. The benefit is that it can easily touched up, mostly for tools where a worker wants to touch up quickly and get back to cutting.

I once studied carving with a master, who said, “We get paid for carving wood, not sharpening tools”, but his tools were always sharp…

On razors a double bevel is used on hard chippy razors to make a “thicker” (microscopically) edge. Or if you are using a hard slow stone, (Hard Arks).

No, the quality of the edge, (keenness and comfort) is the same, for example a 12k super stone edge is the same, regardless if it is primary bevel or micro.

Yes, micro bevels can be touched up, but if you do to many laps or too many re-freshings,, you will end up with a new primary bevel at a steeper angle. You then have to re hone and set a new micro bevel.

But as said, if you are having issues, a micro bevel may not help you. Look at your edge and bevel with magnification first and see if you have a chipping problem. If so depending on what you see, you may need to reset the bevel fully.

Thank you all for your help and the valuable information. I'll find out what's wrong with the razor. I thought of creating double a bevel for the sake of experimentation, before I go back to the hones. I will give double bevel setting a try with another razor at some point. Thanks again.

GEM does it to their single edge shaving blades and Feather might also do it.

I do it to all of my regular pocket knives to make touchups quick and easy but never felt the need for it on a razor. Besides, I prefer a more acute angle and a secondary bevel would go against that.