Thread: Microbevels and razors

Here is a question..... why a microbevel? what is the payoff?

Originally Posted by msuggs

Here is a question..... why a microbevel? what is the payoff?

A microbevel can help with chippy steel

I have a Nathan Zowada razor which has a tiny bevel. I guess he learned the technique from his Dad. It is one of my best shaving razors, although I have yet to refresh the edge myself yet.

I always try to give a little credit to anyone who passes forward their experience, especially on YouTube these days. I have been helped many times by people who took the time to make a video.

On the other hand, so much misinformation gets distributed; regardless of the good intent.

This gentleman has limited experience in razor honing and it was made clear in a 2 minute video.

To do a step by step critique, would take all day.

If he is happy with his razor, then I'm happy for him.

Micro bevels have been around for a long time and have been used on wood working tools and other places for some time. The payoff is the ability to refine the edge to a very high degree in a short time without causing a foil edge or in razors what we refer to as overhoned. By the slight change in angle it focuses only on the edge and not the entire bevel. It is suppose to leave you with a very strong and highly refined edge. So in theory it is stronger, sharper and faster than any other method. Tims method is effective. We are talking about a very small advancement in the edge.

Thanks for linking to Tim's tutorial, RezDog.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Micro bevels have been around for a long time and have been used on wood working tools and other places for some time. The payoff is the ability to refine the edge to a very high degree in a short time without causing a foil edge or in razors what we refer to as overhoned. By the slight change in angle it focuses only on the edge and not the entire bevel. It is suppose to leave you with a very strong and highly refined edge. So in theory it is stronger, sharper and faster than any other method. Tims method is effective. We are talking about a very small advancement in the edge.

Only one thing to add

It creates a built in Convexity to the edge also.. Many DE blades are Micro or Double beveled some of the Feathers actually have a triple bevel..

This allows for a Machined Convexity to the edge that allegedly makes for a stronger longer lasting edge.

My opinion flows back and forth on their use with SR's, but hey if you like the shave go for it..

That vid is "interesting" to say the least but then again Youtube is full of people using old Techniques and Old hone names and trying to re-invent the wheel and capture attention ...

I do that with my EDC knives but never found the need to do it on a razor.

There's no way his little gimmick didn't distort the flatness of the edge and make it wavy.

Just speaking on Tim Zowada's 'miro-bevel', formerly know as a 'double bevel' ........ he said he did a double bevel, then he said he didn't. This was years ago. I don't know where it is now. I have nothing for the technique, nor anything against it. If it works for you, great. I had a couple of his custom Damascus razors years ago and they were great shavers BTW.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...tml#post709701

Someday I'll update the web page to show just what I'm doing. In short, I don't really create a double bevel. I use extra tape, and an Escher, to very carefully knock of the teeth/serrations off the edge. I actually strive to avoid a double bevel.

This is verified when stropping. On a tight strop, no tape, no down pressure, the very edge of the blade is still effected by the strop.

To touch-up the edge, do whatever you usually do. I would use one piece of tape to protect the Damascus finish on the spine. Or, you can send it to me. I'm happy to re-hone my razors.

I hope this helps,

Tim Z.