Thread: How higer magnification made me a better honer.

Gave that Easy Cutter a stropping on latigo and looked again at the edge. I have to say the edge looked pretty amazing. Had to give her a spin. I wanted this to be the best edge I've ever shaved with.
I can't say its the best edge I've ever shaved with. But I can say with confidence, I've shaved with none better.
Stoked!
SOTD worthy!

That’s awesome!

A Microbevel with a piece of Scotch tape or Kapton (eBay) is helpful with microchipping.

Since you are experimenting

Originally Posted by Euclid440

A Microbevel with a piece of Scotch tape or Kapton (eBay) is helpful with microchipping.

Since you are experimenting

Even in the absence of microchipping, a layer of tape can improve an edge. Sometimes I get razor and the edge looks good. There's a bevel. But it's not reaching the level that I think is should. Everything looks right but the keenness is not there. A layer of tape can sometimes be the answer. I don't hesitate to use tape. Its a small adjustment that can make a big difference.

Ive just learned this myself. Its a go to option when I feel the need. I still need to look up this Kapton tape. Scotch tape dont last very long.

Thanks gentlemen! I do use tape on all my razors and will apply an additional layer if needed. Excellent advice!
Since the subject of tape is at hand; I've been using this vinyl stuff from Commercial Electric (7mil, made in China). It seems to wear out pretty quickly but what I love about it is the adhesive; no goopy black gunk left on the blade. Comes off clean with very little residue if any. Think I got it at Home Despot.
Paul, the really Short Timer

For a true micro bevel, you only need a few laps, on a well finished edge. Sometimes as few as 2-3 with no pressure, so a piece of scotch tape will work just fine. The shiny tape seems a bit tougher than the mat tape. Clear packing tape is almost as thin and much stronger, depending on brand, the tape USPS sells is super tough, it is unbranded.

Kapton is tough, almost as thin as Scotch, and not expensive. A 100 ft, 20mm (3/4in) roll about $5. I put Kapton over electrical tape to make it last longer, when thickness is not an issue.

It is very thin and sticky, will fold onto its self and will pick up dust or grit from your hands, a tape dispenser makes applying much easier and cleaner

Tape residue is easily removed by spraying a shot of WD40 on a paper towel. Some razors seem to really improve with the extra angle.

Where are you finding this tape for 5 bucks Marty? What i found was almost twice that and not as mu h tape. Maybe im looking at the wrong vender.
As far as clear or mat on the scotch, that makes sense. I hadnt thought of that. I think the only stuff around my house is the Non-Shiney stuff as it hides better. Ha.

I use super 88 tape. Its a little thicker and stronger, and I dont have an issue with anything left on the blade when i pull it off. If there is a touch of sticky, i touch the tape to the sticky and it pulls it off.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Where are you finding this tape for 5 bucks Marty? What i found was almost twice that and not as mu h tape. Maybe im looking at the wrong vender.
As far as clear or mat on the scotch, that makes sense. I hadnt thought of that. I think the only stuff around my house is the Non-Shiney stuff as it hides better. Ha.

I use super 88 tape. Its a little thicker and stronger, and I dont have an issue with anything left on the blade when i pull it off. If there is a touch of sticky, i touch the tape to the sticky and it pulls it off.

He's referring to Chinese made, no-name brand polyimide tape. Kapton is 3M branded polyimide tape. I wasn't going to experiment with the cheap stuff, so I wound up buying another roll of Super 88.

I just put that same Dovo back onto the black ark and really set out to polish it. I got to it nearly being impossible to see any scratches via the naked eye. Then I went full on black with a CrOx slurry. The edge has never looked so polished! So I put some tape on it and did a couple of laps on a 10K synthetic.

The scratches came back instantly, but the hairs on my arm are just popping off. It’s been a while since this old blade has been this sharp! Hope it’s as comfortable as last time!