Thread: First hone - Spyderco Ultrafine?

I found a good deal on two hones; the Spyderco Ultra fine and Fine. I just want a hone that I can use to keep 1 good razor shave ready, Im not interested in restoring or anything like that. Also does anybody know the actual grit of these two hones as compared to the Norton 4k/8k measurement system? thanks

With a leather strop will these two hones alone be enough to keep my razor shave ready? thanks

The fine is rated at about 2K and the Ultrafine is about 12-15K.

is it possible to use just a fine and ultra-fine spyderco for honing? Also how many swiped would you recommend with these hones?

thanks

It's possible, as long as you don't ding the edge up. Most like to eventually get 2 razors, just in case.

Make sure your hones are flat. Most Spyderco hones come flat enough, but some do not. Learn to use the TPT, TNT, and "mowing hair" tests. Test instructions here.

The number of laps depends on the edge you start with. Mark the edge with a marker. Test with the TNT after you pass the marker test, on the Fine, every 10 to 15 strokes (lightly). After it passes both tests, give 5 extremely light laps and go to the Ultra-fine.

Test now with the TPT & "mow hair" test as a reference. Ten to twenty additional light laps on the UF should put you where you need to be. Test again with the TPT and "mow hair" test to note any improvement. After that, test every 5 laps or so. When satisfied, strop and shave as the final test. You'll soon develop the right feel for it.

Good Luck,

Are you at least considering a Norton 4/8 as your starter hone? There is certainly some divergence of opinion, but I think you will find that you find more backup information to support your use of the Norton than the next 3 choices combined. It is also a proven choice to do just what you say that you want to do. You can always add a paddle or flat bed with pastes or the Spyderco UF (or any of the numerous finishing hones) later. Just my opinion.

BTW, I have a spyderco uf and it does just what it is supposed to do, which is to work as a very fine finishing hone. If you need anything more than a really slight touch up..fugedaboutit. Think lots and lots of passes.

Originally Posted by iczer2001

I found a good deal on two hones; the Spyderco Ultra fine and Fine. I just want a hone that I can use to keep 1 good razor shave ready, Im not interested in restoring or anything like that. Also does anybody know the actual grit of these two hones as compared to the Norton 4k/8k measurement system? thanks

With a leather strop will these two hones alone be enough to keep my razor shave ready? thanks

I like the spyderco because its seems like less fuss. no need to flatten them becasue they are always flat and you can use it dry. With the Norton you have to flatten it when you first get it then every so often and you have to soak it when you use it.

Bill S, would a Spyderco Fine and ultrafine combo work for the honing of good razors?


thanks

Originally Posted by iczer2001

I like the spyderco because its seems like less fuss. no need to flatten them becasue they are always flat and you can use it dry. With the Norton you have to flatten it when you first get it then every so often and you have to soak it when you use it.

Bill S, would a Spyderco Fine and ultrafine combo work for the honing of good razors?


thanks

Actually, only the 4K side requires soaking before use. If you want to use the 8K side you just need to sprinkle it with some water. You are correct that you will need to lap the Norton occasionally, but it is very easy and can be done with sandpaper and a flat surface. If you need to lap your Spyderco, let me tell you, it's no fun. Mine was not perfectly flat so I have been working on it with a DMT diamond plate. I'm getting closer, but it is taking forever to get there.

I don't know how the combo of the Fine and Ultra Fine would work, as I only have the Ultra Fine. I'm certain it would work, but it may not be a very efficient method, given the jump in grit levels between the two.

As a point of reference, I am not a highly experienced honemeister, as many on this forum are. In fact, my goal was just as you stated. I wanted to be able to keep "shave ready" razors in close to top form for my own use. What is working for me at the present is the Norton 4/8, coticule and some pastes. I have some other stuff that I am playing around with, and my interest in honing has expanded somewhat, but that's about all I need to satisfy my original goal. If you want to have a go with the Spydercos, I encourage you to do so. Gathering your own experience is a big part of the enjoyment of straight shaving and you will be expanding the data base as you work out your own approach.

Originally Posted by Bill S

If you need to lap your Spyderco, let me tell you, it's no fun. Mine was not perfectly flat so I have been working on it with a DMT diamond plate. I'm getting closer, but it is taking forever to get there.

Also, remember to wear a respirator if you're gonna lap a Spyderco. The dust is NOT GOOD!

Originally Posted by Bill S

I don't know how the combo of the Fine and Ultra Fine would work, as I only have the Ultra Fine. I'm certain it would work, but it may not be a very efficient method, given the jump in grit levels between the two.

The combo is fine but be aware, per Sal Glesser (Spyderco) the two are actually the same material. The differences are in firing and finishing. The bottom line here is if you lap a F you pretty much wind up with a UF. There have been tons of counter opinions on this but this is straight from Sal and since they are his baby, I'd trust him on it.

If you want to use a Spyderco F, make sure it's flat. If it isn't, return it for a flat one.

Originally Posted by Bill S

If you want to have a go with the Spydercos, I encourage you to do so. Gathering your own experience is a big part of the enjoyment of straight shaving and you will be expanding the data base as you work out your own approach.

+1 I use the Spyderco med, F & UF on mine. They work great but, as Bill indicated, the UF is pretty slow if you need to do much.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ken

Originally Posted by kbuzbee

Also, remember to wear a respirator if you're gonna lap a Spyderco. The dust is NOT GOOD!

Makes sense. I've been lapping mine wet, so hopefully no friable dust, but better safe than sorry


The combo is fine but be aware, per Sal Glesser (Spyderco) the two are actually the same material. The differences are in firing and finishing. The bottom line here is if you lap a F you pretty much wind up with a UF. There have been tons of counter opinions on this but this is straight from Sal and since they are his baby, I'd trust him on it.

If you want to use a Spyderco F, make sure it's flat. If it isn't, return it for a flat one.

Very good info. I don't think I ever heard that before, but no need to doubt the man who makes them.


+1 I use the Spyderco med, F & UF on mine. They work great but, as Bill indicated, the UF is pretty slow if you need to do much.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ken

Thanks for the info, Ken.

The Spyderco F and UF are distinctly different. Both before and after lapping. Tap both hones and hear the difference in density.

My results after 70+ hours of lapping and testing them (including the medium hone).