Thread: Getting started with Wapienicas

I just got a DMT D8C to use as a flattening stone on the Norton 4k/8k that I got with it. I'm going to need to learn to hone fast if I want to continue to use straights - I've only used the razor I have 5 times, and it was pretty obvious that it's getting dull - that last shave caused more damage to my face than my first shave, which was my first with a straight! Of course, that first shave was with a freshly Lynn-honed edge!

I also ordered a couple of Wapis (they haven't arrived yet though) to learn to hone on, so I'll also be in the "needing to get a new razor up to snuff" boat, and was considering a pass or two on the DMT just to get things started, as I've heard the Wapienicas can be a little tricky to get going. I don't have an "in between" stone, so it'd go from the DMT straight to the Norton and finish on the pasted paddle strop, though I may just try the edge straight from the Norton. Any thoughts on that, or a good progression with a Norton to get a new Wapi ready to go? Thanks!

Joe

If yours arrive anywhere near how mine did, I think you will be ok going straight to the Norton, no need for the DMT.
John P.

the dmt is way too aggressive. it'll be good to go after the norton treatment

Originally Posted by Mojo

I just got a DMT D8C to use as a flattening stone on the Norton 4k/8k that I got with it. I'm going to need to learn to hone fast if I want to continue to use straights - I've only used the razor I have 5 times, and it was pretty obvious that it's getting dull - that last shave caused more damage to my face than my first shave, which was my first with a straight! Of course, that first shave was with a freshly Lynn-honed edge!

I also ordered a couple of Wapis (they haven't arrived yet though) to learn to hone on, so I'll also be in the "needing to get a new razor up to snuff" boat, and was considering a pass or two on the DMT just to get things started, as I've heard the Wapienicas can be a little tricky to get going. I don't have an "in between" stone, so it'd go from the DMT straight to the Norton and finish on the pasted paddle strop, though I may just try the edge straight from the Norton. Any thoughts on that, or a good progression with a Norton to get a new Wapi ready to go? Thanks!

Joe

The D8C is too coarse to use the Wapi on. Use it just for flattening, it's great!

I hate to give a standard progression because every razor is different and has different needs. Having said that, I have honed two Wapi's. The first was pretty easy, in fact, I copied down this progression that Steelforge posted to sharpen a Wapi. This is for your Norton 4K/8K:

15/15
10/10
5/5
3/5
1/5
1/5
and about 15 laps on a Coticule, but I guess you don't have a polishing stone, or a pasted paddle. You could, though do a gaggle of laps on your linen strop and about a hundred on the leather. That is if you have a linen side. Either way, you will want to finish your nice hone job with something to polish you edge. But, a lot of guys getby without it.

My second Wapi did not go as well as the first. I had to use my 1200(W6EP) DMT to restablish the bevel. I worked hard to get this going, but it's a great shaver now.

I hope this helps. The Wapi's are great razors and most of the time hone up pretty easy.

Good Luck,

Steve