Thread: Bevel setting?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hmmmmm Not always

I thought it was foolproof until the Ashville NC meet in 2009 sitting around the table passing a razor and BAM !!! one out of the 8 or so guys sitting there couldn't get it to cut arm hair at any grit level

Since then during all the meets I have attended there is always somebody that can't get one of the bevel set tests to work for them

Use all the tests until you have an ABSOLUTE sure fire goto method that always works for you, not what we tell you should work

Yeah I see your point, that is the most liberating way to learn something for sure! I purchased the Chosera 1k off of a mozon! I should get it by Friday.....

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hmmmmm Not always

I thought it was foolproof until the Ashville NC meet in 2009 sitting around the table passing a razor and BAM !!! one out of the 8 or so guys sitting there couldn't get it to cut arm hair at any grit level

Since then during all the meets I have attended there is always somebody that can't get one of the bevel set tests to work for them

Use all the tests until you have an ABSOLUTE sure fire goto method that always works for you, not what we tell you should work

Yes, I should have added the caveat that the shaving arm hair test works for me and it may not work for others. I also like to try and verify that test visually with a loupe. Always belt and suspenders for me. Then add a few extra light swipes just to be sure. I hate missing an unset bevel and finding out later on the shave. Still happens too often.

Bob

Originally Posted by dshaves

On every factory honed razor I have received I have tried the reflection test and found there is a light reflection on all my razors edges, finished edges to be exact. Even a factory feather SE super pro edge has a faint reflection, well more like a white line. Maybe my phones LED light is too bright for this test. My 60X loupe is almost dead.

I am not certain we are talking about the same thing. A light test and a loupe are different. I have not played with a loupe and a feather SE blade. I have played around with looking at DE blades and it should be the same thing, in theory. By looking with the loupe and lines and sparkle what I am referring to is like the pictures in this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ggestions.html. Essentially what I am saying is that if you can verify your bevel is set by checking it with a loupe, that is the final say, from that you need to gauge all of your other tests.

Originally Posted by dshaves

On every factory honed razor I have received I have tried the reflection test and found there is a light reflection on all my razors edges, finished edges to be exact. Even a factory feather SE super pro edge has a faint reflection, well more like a white line. Maybe my phones LED light is too bright for this test. My 60X loupe is almost dead.

Disposable blades have a micro bevel so yeah, white line. Factory honed straights are rarely optimal.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I am not certain we are talking about the same thing. A light test and a loupe are different. I have not played with a loupe and a feather SE blade. I have played around with looking at DE blades and it should be the same thing, in theory. By looking with the loupe and lines and sparkle what I am referring to is like the pictures in this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ggestions.html. Essentially what I am saying is that if you can verify your bevel is set by checking it with a loupe, that is the final say, from that you need to gauge all of your other tests.

Got it thank you! We are talking about the same thing I realize I have yet to see in person a correctly set bevel lol...

The only time I test the edge is post the Chosera 1k. If it cuts arm hair I move on. I go naniwa superstones 2,3,5,8,10k stones, then the Suehiro 20K.

It's repeatable, works every time. I learn at bevel set if a certain razor has different properties, that need more or less work on it's bevel. I've stopped the old habit of 'edge' chasing, and now have two pass shaves on days off....lol

I went to Hell and back learning to set bevels on 1k glass stone. They do gunk up quickly....

Thankfully years later I have a Chosera 1k. That stone should win awards..

I firstly do the thumb pad test.
Then I go to the inner fore arm to shave test but I don't have to cut the hair.
I just feel the edge grip my skin and know that it is set.
Why waste valuable hair

Another great method. Taught to me by Max.
Lick your thumb (yummy) then place your wet thumb on the razors edge .
Try to slide your thumb forward . If it grips, then that part of the edge is set.
If it slides then it isn't set.
Ps don't cut yourself trying this :/

Originally Posted by dshaves

Yeah I see your point, that is the most liberating way to learn something for sure! I purchased the Chosera 1k off of a mozon! I should get it by Friday.....

The Chosera 1k is a great bevel setter. I started off using a 1k SS and it drove me crazy. It needed constant lapping or it wouldn't cut. My noob reaction was frustration and too much pressure. Bevels were much less daunting with the Chosera.

What was the condition of the blade before you started working on it? What kind of a grind is it ? Some blades just take a lot of work to get a good bevel.

I've also got to agree with gssixgun about trying all of the bevel test. Most guys will figure out a "go to" test that works every time FOR THEM. I personally use a few test, but the TNT has the final say. Keep trying them all throughout the process and they will start to make sense. You will see how each test looks/feels before the bevel is set, and see how each changes as the bevel comes in.

Where is the "middle of CA"? I'm located in the east bay. Maybe I could give you some hands on help.

Yea, not always, depends on your hair. Test your hair, with a razor blade.

Are you using tape?

Try adding one layer of tape and ink the bevels with colored sharpie ink. When you ink, lightly slide the sharpie on the edge from heel to toe, the edge should feel smooth, you will at the same time ink both sides of the bevel at the edge. Colored ink is easier to see.

Now do a couple of laps with light pressure and see if the ink is removed all the way to the edge. The 1k shapton should easily set the edge.

Be careful about pressure, if hollow ground, too much pressure will lift the edge, by causing the back of the bevel to act as a fulcrum. You will remove ink, but not at the edge. You can hone all day long and never touch the edge.

If you are still having trouble, send me the razor and I will look at it, take some photos of the edge and hone it for you. Or get with BeJay.

Originally Posted by dshaves

I understand there are many test out there for bevel setting. Would majority of you agree that when a bevel is set or close to being set it SHOULD cut arm hair? Thanks gents

At skin level it should.