Thread: Norton 4K/8K -> Spyderco UF -> ?

Hi,

Norton 4K/8K -> Spyderco UF after doing the honing on those two, what's the next step, do I go to .5 micron paste or is there another hone that could be used. I think I've seen something about Shapton(?) or is there some Japanese natural stones that could be used?

I just strop some newspaper after using the UF.

I don't use pastes, but have read that the .5 green chrome oxide is fairly popular after using a UF or similar grit. It seems to be popular for maintaining a good edge too.

Some use the Shapton 30k.

After the UF it's mostly personal preference. I think the newspaper is plenty sharp enough for my purposes.

Originally Posted by Sticky

I just strop some newspaper after using the UF.

I don't use pastes, but have read that the .5 green chrome oxide is fairly popular after using a UF or similar grit. It seems to be popular for maintaining a good edge too.

After the UF it's mostly personal preference. I think the newspaper is plenty sharp enough for my purposes.

Thanks,

Just folded newspaper, sounds interesting.

Guess I'll try that the next time.

I should have added to keep it fairly flat. I use 2-4 layers and place it on a barber hone, 60 to 120 passes.

Originally Posted by Sticky

I should have added to keep it fairly flat. I use 2-4 layers and place it on a barber hone, 60 to 120 passes.

I've heard this elsewhere but I'm not a real quick-study.

Do you basically use the newspaper as a strop or as a hone? I'm asking because I have heard of using it as a strop and wasn't sure what you were describing.

What I was getting is you were saying to place the paper on the hone (to support it) and then use a honing motion (blade edge leading) vice a stropping motion (spine edge leading). Is that right? Wouldn't you catch the edge on the paper?

Told you I wasn't a quick one here......

Or..... you could try shaving with it. I can get a edge I like off the 8k with many of my razors. The UF should get you there and then some.

Originally Posted by RMC_SS_LDO

...
Do you basically use the newspaper as a strop or as a hone? I'm asking because I have heard of using it as a strop and wasn't sure what you were describing.

What I was getting is you were saying to place the paper on the hone (to support it) and then use a honing motion (blade edge leading) vice a stropping motion (spine edge leading). Is that right? Wouldn't you catch the edge on the paper?

I use any of my hones simply to support the paper and keep it flat. And it is easy for me to hold that way. Strop it like any piece of leather, i.e. spine leading. I use very little pressure on the newspaper, even less for the last 40 or so laps. Try 100 to 150 laps at first, until you find what you like best.

The reason I like newspaper is to "tame" the very sharp edge from the UF. I believe the newspaper both sharpens the edge, yet makes the edge smoother and less harsh somehow. The UF is certainly more than good enough to shave from without newspaper. Try it both ways and see what you prefer.

EDIT: I haven't tried it as a strop yet...should work.

Thanks for the clairification; I knew there was a reason I couldn't wrap my brain around the image I had to start with!

I was curious because if it had any sharpening or refining qualities, I wanted to give it a try. I'm looking more for a finishing touch coming off of an Arkansas whetstone. I can get a descent edge, but it has lots of room to improve. Not to the HHT yet but I can get a fairly comfortable shave. It's still pretty rough on the chin and under the neck so I think I need to get them sharper still.....