Thread: magic marker test on the spine

Yes, of course. Which I'd think is probably pretty unlikely on a new B. Löwe. And I did mention that as well (the bit about heavy contact in the middle on the opposite side). It's very easy to miss a high spot in the middle since humans are not robots - our hands and arms naturally flex and pivot in a very nonlinear manner to where it's easy to miss a high spot in the middle - it doesn't take much contact to wipe off magic marker from polished steel. A low spot is different since it basically produces it's own stable honing platform due to the high spots on either side.

OP- you said the marker on the EDGE was even. Then you don't have to worry about rolling X's or anything for that matter. It is the edge we are honing and worried about. I have the EXACT same issue on a M&W. The bevel is nice and true but the spine makes a horrible sound on one side and not on the other. You can tape the spine if you don't like the sound but I just hone on and the M&W came out perfect. I also had another with a bit of pitting on the spine on one side that did the same thing but did not affect the bevel. AS LONG AS YOUR BEVEL IS MAKING CONTACT YOU ARE FINE. If the BEVEL is NOT making contact then you would need a rolling x or some other stroke to compensate.

From what you are describing on the bevel with it making even contact with the stone the toe and heel of the spine must be in line with some steel missing out of the middle keeping the bevel true on both sides. As opposed to the usual twist people are talking about that prevents the edge from making contact evenly. Two different scenarios.

Yes, worry about the bevel and edge. If you are honing right to the edge, that is all that is needed to produce a shaving edge. The spine will take care of itself in the long run.

Bob