Thread: My Trans Arkie Trials

Like I said I was going to do, I killed the edge on this razor, went back to the 2k thru 12k making sure every step along the way was as perfect as possible. Then went to the Trans Ark with some WD-40. After a while (didn't count laps) 100 or so laps maybe, I started adding Ballisol oil to the stone. I might have done another 150 laps adding a bit of Ballistol along the way. Stroped and now its ready for the test shave in the morning. It passes the TPT but when testing by the Arm Hair it isn't grabbing the hairs as my final edges normally do. Hoping this is just part of the Arkie way.

So here is a pic of the edge at this time. USB Microscope and keep in mind that the blotchy black marks above the edge are about 1mm apart, so your not seeing much of the edge.

Looks pretty similar to my Arkie edges and the same on arm hairs. I love the microscope pics.

On another note, have you tried going from the g20k to the ark. I wonder if you went straight to ballistol and do fewer laps like 20-50. A g20k edge with an Arkie kiss.

That is another option. And thanks for the comment on the arm hair test. That one kinda bothered me. I will be headed for the water room in an hour to get ready for work. So I will soon be finding out how I did.


After the Test Shave, I was very impressed. The keenness was much more like I enjoy and the edge did feel a bit more comfortable on my face. So this is a WIN so far. Now as long as I can do this again...
Next weekend I will break out another Razor and give this another try. Crossing my fingers this wasn't a fluke and I will be able to do it again. Thanks for the support, kind words and help along the way. I might not have continued without the confidence of my shave family!

Yesterday, I shaved with my Otto Deutsch.

I noticed right away that it needed some attention.

I have a small 4x2 Case translucent ark that has been sitting idle for a long time. I figured I'd try it for the refresh instead of my 16k Shapton glass stone.

The thing I noticed right away was the great feedback and feel that the stone has. It really let me know how I was progressing and when I was done. I started using it with a drop of soap and water and progressively diluted to pure water. It's nowhere near as fast as the Shapton, but got the job done pretty quickly.

Today's shave was a treat. The edge was keen and had a really nice, different, more noticeably smooth feel than I get when finishing on the 16k Shapton. I can't wait to try it on Sheffield steel.

Looks like I'll be talking to Dan's about getting one of these that is a more suitable size thanks to Jerry the enabler

Pete <:-}

I do my best to enable... I mean share. That 2x4 is so small i dont know how you managed Pete. But props to you for giving it a try. Im thinking i need to find a larger stone for myself in the future. Glad you found my info helpful and enabling enough to give it a try. Thanks for posting up your finding and hope you too can join in on the Arkie fun Im having and learning.

Here's a quick pic. of the culprits.

The box says hard Arkansas, but it's as translucent as they come. Light shines right through.

Ya, it's small. Just had to go slow and take my time.

Like I said, fantastic feedback and super comfortable edge.

Pete <:-}

Beautiful Trans Ark and a Hans in nice shape. I had one in near-NOS condition and sold it because I prefer beefier grinds, but it is a beautiful, iconic razor.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

A trick with hollows is to use two hands and place your index fingers on the blade over the bevels, about an inch in from the heel and toe.

You will find it does not take much downward pressure to affect the polish, remember you are polishing not grinding and you don’t need “that” much pressure. Experiment, here again Ink will help you see quickly what effect different pressure and technique will have. Colored ink is easier to see.

The finer the grind of the razor the less pressure the better.
The heavy half hollow blades hone easier for beginners because they do not flex with uneven pressure.

Magic marker of a color you can see well is always a good idea as is a bright light inspection.

Circles with fine grit hones combined with magic marker can make a slight smile easy to hone.
Circles with coarse grits can cause false chipping that haunt the razor.

Good stuff...