Thread: How to Overhone - NOT

If, as I suspect, I have overhoned a razor, and I always do, is there a consistent way to return the edge to a proper state before restarting the honing process? I have just bought a Norton 4k/8k ($62. from Howard Schechter, sport fans!) and Lynn Abrams "World of Straight Razor Shaving". I have one nice razor originally honed by Lynn and one eBay 99 cent stainless steel special. The 99 cent-er I have honed for hours on my 4 by 2 barber hone and it wouldn't pas the HHT unless the razor was moving faster than the space shuttle, The good one has dulled down considerably and needs touched up and I want to avoid the overhoning that my delicate touch might produce !!

Some suggest backhoning...some suggest removing the burr by running the razor edge down a wooden matchstick. Although it has been awhile (knock on wood) since I've overhoned an edge, I tend to follow Lynn's advice and simply do a couple of 1/3's on the 4/8K Norton. After the burr is gone I finish with my typical 3/10, 1/10 on my 8K/Coticule.

Just another data point,
Ed

overhoning causes the micro-teeth serrations to either become so thin that when you touch them they fold over on themselves, or where you hone the edge so much it actually breaks off. In either case, the result is a dull blade.

I hear that you can do a few 'back honing' strokes - basically move the razor in the opposite direction as normal honing. This will help reset the edge for trying again.


Stainless is much harder than high carbon steel, due to the chromium in it. The upshot is that it will hold it's edge much longer, the downside is that getting it sharp takes much longer. Especially if you're having trouble mastering the honing technique, the extra strokes necessary for honing SS will just add to the chances that you mess up the blade instead of perfect it.

If Lynn's razor is a little dull, try 30 or 40 laps on the linen side of your strop for a touchup. if that doesn't help, try a few dry passes (3-5) on a dry 8k side of the norton. If that doesn't help, use the 8k side wet.

as for speed, slower is always better on honing, especially when starting out. Concentrate on the angle of the blade, not on the speed... the speed will come.

Thanks for the tips, fellas. As soon as my stone gets here (on the way for 1 week), I'll try it.

Regards,

Glen

I've only overhoned a razor once (I think). Shaving with it removed some of the wire edge, and I removed the rest inadvertently with my wet thumbnail.

I backhone or repeat 1/2 lap in forward and reverse several times lightly (normal edge-frist motion, reverse backhone motion), on both sides then go back to normal routine with a barber hone.
I believe Lynn advises restarting a pyramid from 4k