Thread: 'X' Pattern

Originally Posted by honedright

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The real trick in honing is learning to keep equal pressure and flat contact all along the edge on both sides. The test for this is the thumb nail. If you find that sharpness is uneven along the edge (sharp heel, duller point, etc.), then you weren't applying equal pressure and/or keeping the razor flat the entire stroke.

Thoughts??

Scott

Well, I'm with you on the equal pressure idea, defnitely. But I'm wondering whether flat contact is the only way to achieve even pressure.

I've got no experience with the really narrow hones - is there no weight-tranference (even subtley) at the shank as the middle-to-toe area of the edge comes in contact with the hone?

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Well, I'm with you on the equal pressure idea, defnitely. But I'm wondering whether flat contact is the only way to achieve even pressure.

I've got no experience with the really narrow hones - is there no weight-tranference (even subtley) at the shank as the middle-to-toe area of the edge comes in contact with the hone?

James.

Probably there is. There are leverage changes too...and that is the challenge to, and the skill of honing, to overcome and manually correct those tendencies. Subtle though they may be.

Those who are exceptionally dexterous (think - neuro surgeons, watch makers, etc.) will probably become better at honing than those who are maybe less gifted, but I think anyone who puts the time and effort into it can become proficient at the skill.


Scott

PS - One thing I think that helps is what I mentioned before about not letting the point travel past the mid point on the hone. The more blade that remains in contact with the hone, the more stable it will be and easier to control. Still a challenge though....

Oh, and one other thing - if the straight across method on a wide hone is the most stable, and possibly easier method, does it produce a better edge (parallel striations)? Do the the diagonal striations created by the X pattern provide the better cutting edge? And if you perform the X pattern on a wider hone, then are you more likely to get more contact time on the point as opposed to the heel? ???

Oh yes, and why the thumb nail? Because the thumb nail lays over, and is attached to, one of the most exquisitely sensitive goups of sensory nerve endings in the body. A razor blade can be moved over the nail without pain nor risk of injury allowing you to feel the condition of the honed (not stropped) edge with great accuracy. Oh yeah, go ahead and check it with your face instead....(please don't).

I'm really new to all this, but have bought myself the 3 inch Norton 4k/8k in order to avoid having to master the X pattern, as I figured that it wouldn't be necessary on this wider hone.

Is that right? Can I just go up and down the hone keeping my razor in the middle?

My SRP razor from Classic Shaving was fabulously honed by Lynn initially, but I think it now needs another go. What's the betting I manage to undo all his hard work?!

I'm planning to use a 3/3 1/3 1/5 pyramid, stop and check. Does that sound good?

Thanks

Nick

Originally Posted by Manowar

I'm really new to all this, but have bought myself the 3 inch Norton 4k/8k in order to avoid having to master the X pattern, as I figured that it wouldn't be necessary on this wider hone.

Is that right? Can I just go up and down the hone keeping my razor in the middle?

My SRP razor from Classic Shaving was fabulously honed by Lynn initially, but I think it now needs another go. What's the betting I manage to undo all his hard work?!

I'm planning to use a 3/3 1/3 1/5 pyramid, stop and check. Does that sound good?

Thanks

Nick

Check this thread for my view on the X pattern:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showt...ight=pyramides

cheers,
Nenad