Thread: new razor will not hone

I guess it depends on the word "excessive." I think many people might be surprised at how heavy of pressure Lynn uses at the early stages of honing. There is nothing wrong with pressure if it is used correctly.

You can use a whole hell of a lot with thicker grind blades, but with very thin hollow ground blades it's a good idea to limit the pressure a bit. Too much pressure with those results in the apex flexing away and not even touching the hone, and also can result in a very wide bevel since the hone is removing more material way behind the apex. I think this is pretty clearly what happened to the OP from this thread.

I agree with the sentiment of light pressure on those types of thin hollow grinds but I have put some serious pressure on wedges with no issues.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I guess it depends on the word "excessive." I think many people might be surprised at how heavy of pressure Lynn uses at the early stages of honing. There is nothing wrong with pressure if it is used correctly.

Except on thinly ground full hollows. A little deflection can cause a lot of problems at any stage of the honing.

Edit; You posted while I was typing Eric. Good to see you active here again.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Except on thinly ground full hollows. A little deflection can cause a lot of problems at any stage of the honing.

And that is taken into account by my disclaimer, "if it is used correctly."

Originally Posted by Utopian

And that is taken into account by my disclaimer, "if it is used correctly."

Still, probably a good idea to classify that statement since most noobs will have no clue what "used correctly" would entail, as evidenced by this very thread.

Originally Posted by eKretz

Still, probably a good idea to classify that statement since most noobs will have no clue what "used correctly" would entail, as evidenced by this very thread.

I don't see a necessity to qualify every statement such as this in every thread, there are already many threads on honing pressure etc, Rons statement should be good enough for someone to say " I need to research this further".

Originally Posted by jkatzman

It is important when watching Lynn's video that you understand "with pressure" does not mean excessive. When I started, I was told by 2 very respected professional honers, always use light pressure, you can always add more circles or strokes but you can't add metal. When honing, look at the blade on the stone when you are doing the circles or laps and feel the blade against the stone. It will tell you if you are putting to much pressure. Also stop and look at the razor's edge. I learned on inexpensive Ebay razors, I suggest you do the same after getting some hands on instruction.

Originally Posted by eKretz

Still, probably a good idea to classify that statement since most noobs will have no clue what "used correctly" would entail, as evidenced by this very thread.

OK, since you brought it up, then I will leave it to you to define the word "excessive" in relation to honing.

Originally Posted by Utopian

OK, since you brought it up, then I will leave it to you to define the word "excessive" in relation to honing.

Can we also get someone to describe the flavour of an orange too ☺

Originally Posted by Utopian

OK, since you brought it up, then I will leave it to you to define the word "excessive" in relation to honing.

Hmm, I thought I already had done. Excessive pressure would be that amount which would cause a hollow ground or otherwise razor to flex in such a manner that most or all of the steel is being removed way behind the actual edge, and cause the apex to no longer touch the hone. This should be fairly easy to check with a Sharpie and a loupe.