Thread: My 1K/4K challenge

Originally Posted by Speedster

Amazon had the 5-pack of 3M Scotch 700 for $9.98 yesterday or the day before. A great buy considering another seller was asking $6 per roll (singles).

I'll look into that. My local hardware store is getting about $5 a roll. I like to purchase local, but...

Just out of curiosity, about how many laps on 1K are you running before changing the tape? Regular X strokes, I realize circles will eat it faster. Just looking for a rough guess. I won't hold you to it.

It all depends on the blade.

Post a pic of the razor.

Sounds like you are not honing the heel half of the razor, either you are honing on the stabilizer if it has one or the razor has a twist/wind.

Ink the bevel and find out why and where you are not making contact, doing more of the same with a course stone is not the answer.

How course is your course stone?

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I'll look into that. My local hardware store is getting about $5 a roll. I like to purchase local, but...

Just out of curiosity, about how many laps on 1K are you running before changing the tape? Regular X strokes, I realize circles will eat it faster. Just looking for a rough guess. I won't hold you to it.

Change the tape when enough wear is readily visible along the spine covered portion of the razor -- it will get dull and flat, meaning your honing angle is ever so slightly diminishing the further you go. That's why I was advised when using tape to not be a cheap and replace as needed.

Ok, this Wosty is kicking my...

It wasn't responding well so I took it into work today to have a microscope look. Yep wire edge. Light joint, looked again and no more wire edge, just a nice straight, thin line on the edge. Figured it should come back pretty quick tonight. 50 light laps...nope just grabbing hair, not popping. 50 more...nope. 25 more...little better, but nope. 25 more...nope. something is going on.

When I first started on this I used the Xcell spreadsheet to figure layers of tape. I measured at the heel, middle, and toe and averaged the measurements. The calculator put me at 1 or 2 layers, but 3 wasn't that much higher. I started with 2 and the bevel was looking really wide so I changed to 3. That's what I've been working with and it's not exactly a thin bevel. I rechecked my measurements and they were basically the same as I had initially measured.

Looking at the tape wear, I noticed the wear was not at the spine, but on the edge of the tape closest to the edge. I'm thinking this has raised the angle from what was calculated (1 layer: 20.4, 2 layers: 21.1, 3 layers 21.7). The edge is knife sharp, but no way shave worthy.

Idea one - Go down to 2 layers and just have a wider bevel (as long as this shaves I'm fine with it, it's not going to anyone else).

Idea two - Cut the tape in 1/2 lengthwise so it isn't as close to the edge.

Or is the geometry just messed up and I should move on to a more worthy blade?

Little bit frustrated, feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I'm walking away till I have a better idea of how to proceed. Besides I've got a new combo ark and some dull pocket knives to enjoy.

So changing tape, as you get better, you efforts go to the edge, not the spine and your tape lasts longer.
Sometimes less tape is better, sometimes more tape is better. Use the table to find how many layers is appropriate.
Some razors are best set aside until we gain more experience.

How much wear is on the spine?

Post is pic of the razor.

“I used the Xcell spreadsheet to figure layers of tape. I measured at the heel, middle, and toe and averaged the measurements. The calculator put me at 1 or 2 layers, but 3 wasn't that much higher. I started with 2 and the bevel was looking really wide so I changed to 3.”

I don’t understand what this means.

With near wedge razors sometimes you do need to trim the tape thinner. So that it doesnt go so far down the side of the blade. The tiny hollow is not much by the spine so you could be adding a lot more to the angle.
I think this is what you are saying. Its all part of the game.

Thanks ,Jerry. Ya beat me to it.
Always trim the tape on wedges so its only 1/8 inch over each side of the spine. Your only trying to recreate the original thicknesses of the spine, not the blade.

Home Depot has thin cut tape. Works great on wedge grinds. Gonzo turned me on to this.