Thread: A tape-free experience

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Sure. If it is gassing the scales have to go.

Paul, I've seen those shape chips on razors from time to time. Throwing a piece of tape on there will give you a slightly steeper angle, which may lead to a stronger edge. So minuet that I don't know that it will matter. I hate using more than one layer though.

I honed with tape (one layer) my first year because I wanted to be sure of my ability before going 'naked.' After a year, with some confidence, I went without tape. Maybe a year later I went back to one layer. I do like the smoother feel of the blade on the stone without the tape, but trying to remember which you did with, and which without became too much of a hassle. I don't keep records, though it would be better if I did.

I would suggest a bit of synthetic action on the Sheffield. Particularly on the bevel setting. Naturals are fun, but they are not as efficient in the earlier stages of honing. AFAIC. YMMV.

The only natural I can imagine using to dig chips out is a coticule, or perhaps a soft Arkie with coticule slurry. A good Washita with the proper surfacing might change my mind on that, but I've yet to have the pleasure of using one.

I too like the feedback of naked steel on stone. That's one of the reasons I steer clear of razors that have been blacked, stamped, etched, or are just too clean otherwise. I'll stick to hardware store razors and things that have already been kissed by a hone for the time being.

Originally Posted by Marshal

The only natural I can imagine using to dig chips out is a coticule, or perhaps a soft Arkie with coticule slurry. A good Washita with the proper surfacing might change my mind on that, but I've yet to have the pleasure of using one.

I too like the feedback of naked steel on stone. That's one of the reasons I steer clear of razors that have been blacked, stamped, etched, or are just too clean otherwise. I'll stick to hardware store razors and things that have already been kissed by a hone for the time being.

When I start making $1,000 customs I'll be sure to put a hone line on there so you won't mind buying them all

When I win the lottery I'll be sure to let you know that I can afford your customs with hone marks.

Congrats on the break through. I am very happy to hear of your success!! Beautiful stones!!! Thanks for sharing

Man, I feel guilty; a couple days in Calistoga with my wife and here I am checking the forums. She thinks I'm probably doing research on tomorrow's activitie!
I'll post a pic when I get back. Those are celluloid scales I'm pretty sure; hope they are still good as they are original.

Originally Posted by Steel

Congrats on the break through. I am very happy to hear of your success!! Beautiful stones!!! Thanks for sharing

Thanks Mike. I shelved that Sheffield for now; never liked it anyway. But, I'll get it.

Originally Posted by Marshal

The only natural I can imagine using to dig chips out is a coticule, or perhaps a soft Arkie with coticule slurry. A good Washita with the proper surfacing might change my mind on that, but I've yet to have the pleasure of using one.

I too like the feedback of naked steel on stone. That's one of the reasons I steer clear of razors that have been blacked, stamped, etched, or are just too clean otherwise. I'll stick to hardware store razors and things that have already been kissed by a hone for the time being.

Marshal, after refreshing my soft it made short work of those chips. My washita would probably be even faster but I didn't want to be too aggressive with this edge.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Sure. If it is gassing the scales have to go.

Paul, I've seen those shape chips on razors from time to time. Throwing a piece of tape on there will give you a slightly steeper angle, which may lead to a stronger edge. So minuet that I don't know that it will matter. I hate using more than one layer though.

I honed with tape (one layer) my first year because I wanted to be sure of my ability before going 'naked.' After a year, with some confidence, I went without tape. Maybe a year later I went back to one layer. I do like the smoother feel of the blade on the stone without the tape, but trying to remember which you did with, and which without became too much of a hassle. I don't keep records, though it would be better if I did.

I would suggest a bit of synthetic action on the Sheffield. Particularly on the bevel setting. Naturals are fun, but they are not as efficient in the earlier stages of honing. AFAIC. YMMV.

JimmyHad,
Say it ain't so!
No synthetics for this stubborn mule (well, not quite yet anyway). I'm going to try and become truly proficient with these arks; I'm a rock hound kind of and love the idea of going natural. I do know my journey would have been easier going synthetic.
Thank you

Originally Posted by Addison

So After All The Nortons,, Then All The Naniwas I Read This Now Its Off For The Arks,, I Guess This Is What They Call It Never Stops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ty

When I started shaving with a straight I was determined to maintain my razors. I went to a local Woodcraft store and they had a pretty stone labeled a Washita a little poor research and I was hooked on Arkies.
Now of course the jnats call to me.
Have I made a 100 posts yet?
Bucking for Senior Member here!

Originally Posted by Paulbuck

After inspecting the edge and seeing the chips removed I went to the hard ark and after a bit, checked the edge again. I was surprised to see tiny chips in the same locations and similar shapes as the original chips. Does this indicate weak areas in the edge?
I continued on with the hard until these smaller chips were gone. Then to the translucent (no, no messing around with prepping this stone, burnished and fine). I shaved with this razor yesterday morning and have to say it was amazing. Usually after working on a razor I'm like 'Yep, 90% there, close!' This edge is there.

I've seen this with chips resulting from dings on the tap (faucet).
I postulate that the damage runs deeper than is visible so that when the bevel is set & the edge is still relatively coarse it will not show the weakness till it thins more at the polisher. Sometimes it will not show up till after the first shave.