Thread: honing with film?

I am trying to improve the edge of razors coming off an 8K Norton. I used some lapping film: 0.5µ Chromium Oxide. I got this from Lee Valley. They also have: 1µ Alum. Oxide Film, and 0.3µ Alum. Oxide Film. Would these be better?

I did 40 passes coming off the 8K Norton. I thought because of the grit difference I might need more passes. The edge was noticeably better when shaving. I think less irritation.

Would like to know if there is anything that I should change, the grit size or number of passes to make things better?

Joe

Are you stopping afterwards?

I would think 40 passes is a lot but I know nothing about film, once you get to .5 it's really a moot point as that's like 60K or something so you are not really honing at this point you are polishing and if the edge is lacking it may help to some degree.

Actually, 0.5 micron is the same grit size as the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k and the Shapton Glass 30k.

1.0 = 15K
.5 = 30k
.25 = 60k
.1 - 150K ish.

As far as what's better, that's between your face and your razor. There's a limit to how much you can refine most steels, my Germania Cutlery Works that I've been stropping up to .1 Micron FeOx for example seems to be degrading. It's probably gotten so fine that it's micro-fracturing along the edge. And my face really doesn't care for a blade that laser sharp.

Play with them and see what you like. It's the only way you'll really know.

40 laps was likely excessive. Most folks recommend going 10 laps or fewer on .5 CrOx. I would imagine lapping film would be in the same general region.

Thanks for the replies. If 0.5 is too fine what grits should I go after the 8K Norton to get a good shave. I find with the 8K I can get a good shave, but there is still too much resistance and my face seems irritated at times. I have been working with this grit for quite a while and I don't think it will get any sharper.

Joe

Might be worthwhile to pick up a Naniwa 12K. I've seen a few folks say that 8K isn't fine/sharp enough for their thick beards and most of them are content with a 12K to finish. There's also 1.0, which is around 15K. But there are a lot of folks using .5 CrOx, so I think you'll be fine with .5 film provided that lapping films aren't too aggressive. Even if they are a bit on the keen side it may well calm down after a couple of shaves or some good stropping.

Does someone know where I can get some lapping film? I would like to try the 1 micron film, but I can only find it at Lee Valley with the psa backing. I am assuming I would use regular strokes: edge forward? Would I use water for the lubricant? I seems to bead up, not an even coat.

Joe

Does someone know where I can get some lapping film? I would like to try the 1 micron film, but I can only find it at Lee Valley with the psa backing. I am assuming I would use regular strokes: edge forward? Would I use water for the lubricant? I seems to bead up, not an even coat.

Joe

I dunno about sources or lubricant, but you'd use edge trailing strokes. If you do edge leading you're more than likely gonna end up digging into the film.