Blue Dye

I tried something out last night while trying to put a new edge on an ebay special. I haven’t seen it posted, so I thought I’d mention it to see if anyone else has tried it.


I coated both sides of the bevel with blue dye (dye used to mark repairs on compressor blades of a turbine engine). After a couple passes on the micro mesh I could easily tell where work was needed.


The dye is easily removed with alcohol & a cotton ball. Other colors will work, but the blue readily contrasts against shiny new metal. In lieu of blue dye, a blue sharpie works just as good.

I used that stuff for tool and die work. It's ideal for razors, but a permanent marker works pretty good for those folks who have no access to that stuff.

We usually call it the magic marker test. It works great dont it.

I think I get the idea here, when I was a machinist I would use what is called a lay out dye. And if you are getting an even hone the dye should be removed evenly on your edge, right?:hmmm:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by razorjoe

I think I get the idea here, when I was a machinist I would use what is called a lay out dye. And if you are getting an even hone the dye should be removed evenly on your edge, right?:hmmm:

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You got it, Joe. The Marker test. Don't hone without it!:tu

Chris L

But does it leave any permanent marks on the hone?

Ok...i did some more reading and i found the magic marker test in the Progressing Honing and Pyramid Honing Guides. Same same.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chancecatalyst

But does it leave any permanent marks on the hone?

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As far as leaving marks, I don't know...anyone else? I only have a strop, my granpa's old barber hone, a surface plate, and an assortment of fine to ultra fine abrasive papers. I'm not worried about discoloring any of it.

Shouldnt leave anyting you can notice.