Thread: 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?

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?

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

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.

Originally Posted by chancecatalyst

But does it leave any permanent marks on the hone?

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.