Thread: Honing from Scratch

Hello,

I am working on my first restoration. I
hone on a DMT 1200 until I got a uniform
bevel. I am now on the Norton 4k. I
assume I should hone on the 4k side until
I'm able to pop arm hairs. How long should
this take? My arse is killing me from this
chair. Just want to make sure I'm doing it
right. I've honed with good success before,
but never an edge from scratch. Any
advice is appreciated as always.

John

I would stay on the DMT until you get the razor easily popping hairs before moving on the 4K. It will take a long time on the DMT and even longer on the Norton 4K if your razor is really dull.

I often hone on 4K until I see a good bevel. I really don't worry about sharpness off of 4k, whats the point?

I try to do the best I can at making a good bevel and then move on. If the blade turns out not sharp enough, than by golly thats what pyramids are for.

I have been surprised by how quickly I could leave the 4K and move to 8K and get a good edge.

I say "when it looks like a bevel; its done!" Its not like your going to throw the 4K away when you move to the 8k and you can always go back to 4K with nothing more than a flip of the stone.

I agree with Alan. As soon as the bevel looks good to go I'm off the 4K. If need be I can always go back for a few passes but I rarely do.