Thread: "Suction" on the stone?

Is this a good indication that the edge is getting to where it needs to be? To my thinking, it has to be getting pretty dang smooth to get this, right?

I'm still working on the Solingen on the 8k. On one side of the razor, I can definitely feel the edge "suck down" to the hone. On the other side, it's just starting to 'suck down'. I'm working on very light strokes to keep things as even as possible until I get both sides smoothed out equally.

Shave - wise: Much *MUCH* better - a little bit of pulling on the moustache and chin, but nothing like what it was - I think I'm getting pretty close.

I replied in your other thread and perhaps you don't want my opinion, but yes suction is very good and your very close. Knowing how it shaves is the liptmus test for edge quality.


The fact that one side is sucking more than another should indicate something important about what your doing wrong. Know what it is?

It sounds to me though that your doing great!

Alan - I definitely want your opinion!!

The bevel looks even as far as I can tell, so I *think* either my pressure is a bit uneven, or my hand position. It's the return stroke side that isn't suctioning down as well.... am I right?

Yes, re-evaluate your stones orientation. You'll note in one direction that your probably not as comfortable as in the other.

Your good at this stuff!

Well, it *seemed* logical, anyway.... I've been honing to/from myself... I can try side/side or a diagonal with the Boker and see if it feels more natural...worth a try, right?

Absolutely, just use what feels equally comfortable in both directions. I like a 2/8 orientation myself.

Also, watch how you have the scales oriented. Some guys have a tendancy to not pay attention to the scale angle and end up applying pressure unexpectedly from the scales being more closed in one direction.

11-5 seems to be working pretty well (LH). I never really thought about the scales - I've just always put them where the entire tang is covered...it just seemed to balance best that way.

Good, for some reason some guys like to move them more closed for one direction on the stone, never realizing that it modifies the pressure on that bevel edge.

The Boker has a bit of a smile....will that keep me from getting suction on the 4k or 8k, or will it be less obvious since less of the edge will be in contact?

Yup, probably less obvious. I usually finish off 4K long before I get any suction. On 8K you'll probably feel less.

Again, see how its shaving. Your entering the realm where some guys are happy with the razor as is and some guys want it sharper.

Its a series of pinnacles: honing perfection, stropping perfection, and shaving perfection.

You can "arrive" at the honing part and never know until you learn the stropping part.