Thread: New honer needing some advise

I'm currently attempting to hone my TI and am having some trouble. The edge didn't seem to be super sharp off the 4K side of my 4/8K norton. So, I tried the sharpie test to check the bevel. I find this (hopefully it's somewhat visible).



It looks like the spot around my top finger is not being honed.

What's the proper way to correct this? I only have the 4/8K norton, and am a beginner at razor honing in every sense of the term. I've only sharpened one other razor. Right now I'm thinking of three options:

1. Keep on the 4K until it's all even.
2. Apply slight pressure to that spot as I hone.
3. Send it to Lynn or Glen.

I'm hoping to get this razor in great shape because it's my favorite (of only 2) razors. I bought it the day my wife and I married so it's a bit sentimental to me.

I think all 3 of your solutions would work. BUT, since you are attached to the razor, I would hone my skills (bad pun) on a razor you're not afraid to mess up. Try PMing Lynn or Glen for their opinions.

Is that rust on the bevel or ink, the spots? What does the other side look like?

A photo of the razor without your thumb on the heel, on both sides would help.

You can easily set a bevel on a Norton 4k, but the razor may have issues. What those issues are, will determine how to hone it. The condition of the spine and edge may tell the tail.

More than likely there is some warp in the blade, set it on a flat surface on both sides and see the condition.
Colored ink is easier to see, and will not be confused with a shadow or rust mark.

Use 2 layers of tape, to set the bevel, then once set, drop down to one layer. But first post some better photos so we might figure out what is going on.

What you should do, depends, if you just want to shave, send it out for honing. If you want to learn to hone, post some photos and we can get you over the hump. If you can find a local mentor, you will cut your learning curve dramatically.

I would do #2. Whether it's warped or unevenly honed the result is the same and you still have to get it all sharp.

You're not going to mess it up. As you can see, it takes a while to remove steel.

I'm no expert however so place more emphasis on the other's advice.

If I was you I would add a layer of tape to the spine.

Perform some light rolling X strokes (YouTube can help)

If the ink remains try adding one more layer and more rolling X strokes.

Looks like a nice blade...Good luck..

It looks like you're hitting the toe half and not hitting the heel half. Is that what's going on? If that's the case you can experiment with some different strokes and see if they help. Try the rolling x like JOB15 suggested. You could also try going heel forward with a bit more pressure focused of that portion of the blade.

New production TIs have a problematic reputation, that is some have very uneven bevels that are challenging to correct. If yours is one of these I'd recommend you send it to a pro to have the bevel properly set and the edge brought to where it should be.

Get a 1k to set your bevel. My 2cents...

does the opposite side look the same? if it's warped it will look opposite (as far as the marker wear is concerned). in which case i would send it out. that's one trick i haven't learned deal with but there are way around it if you know what you are doing. a treasured razor isn't something i would want to learn on. JMHO

The way I see your photos;
1. Your spine is consistant with your edge problem, the edge is not being honed other than the last 1/3 from the toe. Look at your spine, I see wear that would cause your problem. You can double layer it, as suggested above, that might level the spine enough to lay the edge flat.

2. I'd layer it & rework/reset the edge at the 4K. I would not leave the 4K until the problem is solved.

3. Touch-up of a previous shave ready blade is "honing". The place to begin your honing journey, IMO. So, as suggested about, get a standard set by sending it out & then maintaining it with your 8K or whatever finisher you have.