Overhoning...how can I tell

Hi everybody.

How can I tell if a razor is overhoned and if so what can I do about it.

On a good shape razor (no chips, good blade) how many passes on 4k and how many on 8k to get it shave ready.

Thanks

Jacques

There's some good information in this thread.

The number of passes needed depends on how far away from sharp it is. Try looking in the archives for Lynn and Randy's pyramid information.

James.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jacques13

On a good shape razor (no chips, good blade) how many passes on 4k and how many on 8k to get it shave read

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I'm wondering if this is like asking "how many coats of paint before I'm done?" The paint can directions say "one coat coverage" but after one coat the job still looks splotchy. Do you go with the directions? Or do you apply two coats? Three coats?? I guess you just keep adding coats of paint untill it looks done.
Oops - too much paint and it starts to run...guess you'll have to start over....

Same with honing a razor. One pass? 8 passes?? 20-100 passes???
2 on this side of the hone, 3 passes on the other, then 1 again on the first side???? Must be done then, right?

How about only as many strokes as it takes, on any side of the hone, until the razor is done? (hint: thumb nail)

:D Scott

There is some great info here:

Go to the Library section under the homepage
and click on Help Files and Documents.

Go to Permanent Archives

Go to Honing and Stropping information

Go to Norton Pyramid Honing Guide by Randy Tuttle.

Notice in the sidebar he suggests checking the blade every
so often and stopping once you feel it is where it should
be. You don't have to complete the whole sequence if you
don't need to. Best of luck.

John