Thread: Help with honing

I am able to compare a honed razor to one that I am trying to hone.
I have a norton 4k/8k and a pasted paddle. I did a moderate pryamid using
the 1/5, 1/5, 3/5, 3/5 etc., then proceeded to the pasted strop.
I am still not getting the edge equal to the honed razor. The honed razor actually pops off hairs on my arm!
I purchased this dovo 5/8 for the purpose of trying to hone it myself.
This is a real learning curve!
Would a additional 12K stone make the difference?
If the razor I am trying to sharpen was done with the spline taped then I did it without it tapped would that make a difference?
I did notice on a video that the spline was tapped during the 4K hone then removed during the 8K hone?

From what I read and understand. That with the norton 4k/8k you have to soak the 4K prior to honing. The 8K side only needs a splash?
Do you soak the 4K overnight?
I think in my previous thread that I must of runied the edge doing the pryamid when it only needed a touch up. So, now is getting it back.

I don't think a finer hone will make a difference. The Norton will establish the bevel and give you a bit of a polish while the pasted paddle will polish it some more, so you're set. You should be able to make it pop hairs off the 4k. Here's what I'd do if I were you..
1) Lap the Norton
2) Do about 40 strokes on the 4k
3) Do 2 full pyramids (make sure you use almost negative pressure near the end)
4) Test again
5) Depending on how close/far it is from shave ready, you can either repeat the whole routine, do a regular pyramid, do a moderate pyramid or a few 1-5's, finished with a 1-7.

Soak the whole stone for about 15min and it's good to go.

Thank you for the advice and I will try it!
Should I Tape the spline?

Just so you know for the future it is "spine" not "spline". You do not need to tape the spine, but you should be consistent to keep the bevel angle. If you want to tape the spine then leave it on for the entire progression. If you don't want to tape the spine then leave the tape off for the entire progression.

Thank you for the instructions and the honing connection!
I will let you know! I liek to try this and see how far I get.

Question: Can you damage the norton if you had it soaking for a few hrs?

Originally Posted by richard12550

Question: Can you damage the norton if you had it soaking for a few hrs?

No, you can soak it as long as you want.

Firestart,

A variation of what you have in your signature block is something my Dad drew to my attention when I was just a lad, many many years ago, in a Standard Oil station toilet room: "we aim to please, will you aim too, please."

mea culpa, Bruce