Thread: Are You A Real Man? Do You Think You Can Hone? Shave Off Of Your 1k Hone

If it doesn't shave work it a little more. Once that bevel is completely set and you run a bunch of feather touch strokes it will shave just fine. Nice razor by the way.

Originally Posted by RezDog

If it doesn't shave work it a little more. Once that bevel is completely set and you run a bunch of feather touch strokes it will shave just fine.

YesYesYES!

That really is the key!

Originally Posted by Utopian

I think you just got better at honing! Nice job!

I don't believe that all razors will respond in the same manner, but doing that same approach of trying to max out what the 1k can do certainly will be better for setting the stage for the rest of the grits.

Yeah, it was kind of an epiphany in that sense, Ron-Really, why not max out every stone? I know I have often been guilty (maybe moreso in my newbie "formula" honing days) of just saying "Screw it, let's move up the 8km or whatever. I'm going to test shave after every stepping stone this summer I think, just to know exactly how much refinement I'm getting at each step.

This was an interesting experience. I actually honed two razors on the 1K, the Top Flight and a Sensation. Both bevels looked great under the loupe. The Top Flight barely cut anything on the test shave on the left side. I used the Sensation on the right and it cut much better. I actually finished both sides with the Sensation for a decent shave. It wasn't a smooth shave but the whiskers are gone. I'm going to take @RezDog 's advice and give them a bunch more light strokes and see what happens.
I really need a razor meet so somebody can show me what I'm doing wrong. I'm not going to give up though. Thanks guys.

There is no secret. My method is all about my 30x loupe and looking almost straight down at the point of the apex. It should be almost invisible. I say almost because if it is tilted slightly it is easier to see, but the item you want to pay attention to is the very point of the bevel. It needs to be perfect. No sparkle, no jagged lines. Once it is complete you can go for the finishing touches and then test shave. It should cut easily but it tends to be not so kind to the skin, a little rough feeling. You should closely examine the tip of the apex on both of those razors and see what the difference is. It is likely not a lot of difference either, but that little bit is everything when it come to smooth and sharp razors.

Thank you. I already looked straight down with a lighted loupe and didn't see any sparkle. I will compare the bevels again tomorrow and see if I can see what's different. I might even pull out the microscope.

Gave this another go. Different razor. Still quite a bit of pulling. Just not cutting the whiskers like id want in a shave. Bet it would take 4 or 5 passes to get clean if that. I'll go back to the 1k again next weekend and try again. Guessing from the latest posts im still not maxed out on the 1k.

jerry, when you finally get that aha moment where you finally get that 1k shaving, you will find that your finished edge will be much better. I really couldn't hone well till I did this test when Glen suggested it to me. many failures, even though I had some good shaves by the time I got to the finisher but not consistent. once I learned that the 1k needs just as light a touch on the finishing strokes and then I started using that 1k edge before going up the scale. it really did teach me its all about the bevel set. but after their set I don't get much practice, maybe 1razor a year will go all the way back.

stick with it and you will be more consistent, with smoother edges Tc

Originally Posted by Utopian

Quit yer cryin' or I'll give you something to cry about. Now, get out that 1k.

Wow I just flashed back to childhood! I have not heard that in a long, long time. I have a few razors to get on the stones so next time I have a chance Im in on this it will be interesting to try.

Tnx TC. I'll get there. I just wish i had more time to do it. Dont think i can hone and drive so it will have to wait another week.