Thread: A bit confused by my results? ?

Originally Posted by sqzbxr

In my experience honing smiling wedges, a 4k will be a marginal bevel setter at best. Because of the extra width of the bevel, you need to remove many times more steel than on a typical straight-edge hollow ground. A King 1k water stone is a good inexpensive bevel setter, I think they still sell for around $300.00. Rolling x-strokes are the primary technique here, I often use two hands to ensure good control as I roll the contact point along the edge from heel to toe.

Gssixgun has an excellent 3-part video on this: https://youtu.be/wEtb9k3APYM

Key words "rolling x stroke" not just x strokes for a smiling razor.

Bob

I do apologize guys I was doing rolling x strokes I just typed x strokes.

What about trying to shave with it again before putting in more work?

Originally Posted by dinnermint

What about trying to shave with it again before putting in more work?

I can see the logic in this. Im in no rush with this blade so I can certainly give that a try before anything else. Heck I've been trying for a few months off and on to get this razor working another shave won't hurt

Your bevel is not “fully” set.

The rolling X stroke can be challenging, finding the “right” amount of “roll”. It does not take much, yes 2 handed is easier and you have better control. 5 layers is too much, use 2, as suggested.

A 1k is faster after edge correction, but a 4k with a bit of pressure will easily set a bevel, lighten up on the pressure once bevel is set. Jointing the edge can help, then resetting the edge again, especially after edge work.

The best way to learn the stroke, it is to ink the bevel and do a few laps, re-ink and do a few more. Keep using the ink, eventually you will get the feel, it usually does not take much rolling.

Ink is the key. Colored ink is easier to see.

Only reason I'm using my 4k is I feel like I am getting more accomplished. My 1k just doesn't seem to do much. On hollows it does but with the couple wedges I have it just seems to not do what I want.

Which type of 1k is it?

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Which type of 1k is it?

Norton 220/1k I think its 220, its the combo

Eric I have a tip for you. Seeing that Euclid suggested killing the edge, which is useful on a few levels, I remembered this: If after LIGHTLY killing the edge on glass, or your hone, you are able to get it back in a relatively short amount of time (depending on the razor as well), then you had it properly set before. If you find you're struggling to get it back, then it was likely weak before you killed it.

It takes some practice to get this right. Obviously it is highly subjective, as there are a number of variables. Don't use more than the weight of the blade to kill the edge and you'll have eliminated one variable at least. Try it on an easier razor, one that shaves well and doesn't give you trouble on the hones.

As for the rest, I can only agree with what's been said. 4 tapes is too much, you should try to work with two, if at all possible.

My initial thought when I read your OP was that you are perhaps missing a bit at the finish line. Maybe the reason for that is your tape had worn down, and you were not hitting the edge properly on your finishing stone.

Originally Posted by Srdjan

Eric I have a tip for you. Seeing that Euclid suggested killing the edge, which is useful on a few levels, I remembered this: If after LIGHTLY killing the edge on glass, or your hone, you are able to get it back in a relatively short amount of time (depending on the razor as well), then you had it properly set before. If you find you're struggling to get it back, then it was likely weak before you killed it.

It takes some practice to get this right. Obviously it is highly subjective, as there are a number of variables. Don't use more than the weight of the blade to kill the edge and you'll have eliminated one variable at least. Try it on an easier razor, one that shaves well and doesn't give you trouble on the hones.

As for the rest, I can only agree with what's been said. 4 tapes is too much, you should try to work with two, if at all possible.

My initial thought when I read your OP was that you are perhaps missing a bit at the finish line. Maybe the reason for that is your tape had worn down, and you were not hitting the edge properly on your finishing stone.

Thank you Srdjan, I appreciate the thoughtful advice and informative. I'm gonna give shaving with it another for then if nothing has changed ill put all the great advice given to good use.