Thread: Shaving off 8K

I've read this is possible. So I took my ZY Razor that I bought just for practicing honing and took it from 1k to 4k and 8k Nortons. Then put it on a strop for 50 strokes. So, before I try to shave with it tomorrow, am I right about this? I'd rather not find out the hard way. ha.

I'm just trying to learn all I can and this seemed like a nice test.

Try shaving off of a 1k edge first.

Then try the 4k.

Finally, then, try the 8k.

Well, photos would help.

If you fully set the bevel, removed all the 1k stria with the 4k, the 4k with the 8k, got the edge as straight as possible and chip free, you should be good.

The trick is a fully set bevel and edge, straight as possible at 1k, keeping it straight and chip free. Maxing out each stone. Stropping on Linen would help, then leather.

With some Chrome Oxide, you could have a comfortable edge.

You will know on the first pass.

It is very possible to shave off 8k. I did it for at least a year before getting my 12k. There is nothing wrong with it at all, as long as; as stated you max out each stone. You must remove the previous hones stria. 8k will leave a nice polish on the blade.
I did not try utopians suggestion of shaving off all the different grits but I am taking his word for it

I cut back to 1 razor honed on nothing but my Norton 1, 4, and 8k hones for a good 6 months. It's not a bad shave, I could live with it. But like everyone else, there are edges I like better, and I simply enjoy playing with naturals and finishers.

Like utopian suggests, you can actually shave OK with a 1k edge. I tried that too at his suggestion around the same time. It was very informative. It tugged a bit, but not nearly as torturous as I imagined.

Not a bad idea for a new honer to do, cause if you can't get an 8k shaving comfortable your not ready fir a 12k or higher, and if your using a natural finisher, you will get a great transition. Like someone said, " if the bevels not set, your just polishing a turd" they honed on an 8k or less around here for a while, plus the infamous Coticule isn't much higher, and some not even. Tc

Like EJ, I shaved off a 8k King for several years. I would not want to do it again but it can certainly be done.

I learned how to hone off the old Norton 4/8K. It was the only stone I used for the first couple years.

Have fun.

I like the idea of shaving off of each level. That does sound like a good way to learn/feel the differences. Thanks Utopian for that. I just don't want to hack my face up in this learning stage. Well, at least not hack my face as much as I can keep from it. ha.

I have another ZY razor that I'll start with a bevel set and give that a go. I think I'm doing ok with each progression but of course I know I'm not perfect yet. Here's pics of 1K. 4K, 8K. I noticed the 1K still has some chips in it. So I guess that would not do.
1K...


4K


8K


I tried to get the pic of the same spot in the blade every time.

Also the edge get thinner towards the middle of the blade then wider again at the tip. You can see it getting thinner in the pics. But the bevels have met. Should I hone more and more to try to correct this? I didn't know if this was right or could be done.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I learned how to hone off the old Norton 4/8K. It was the only stone I used for the first couple years.

Have fun.

Yea, me too. At the time I thought it was a great shave too. Even now it wasn't too bad.