Thread: I have a defective X stroke...

(Little to no honing experience, so this is a question and not an observation or suggestion)

You mentioned that you couldn't feel any difference on the stone with your finger (and they are assumed to be flat) but that it sounds different with the blade. Wouldn't this also be the case if your stroke wasn't even? Especially if you're applying any pressure. You probably set up the same everytime (how you hold it, how you sit positioned to the stone, etc) so your stroke is probably consistent and repeatable but it may not be even through the pass. You could be pressing or lifting on the heel, apply more or less pressure at some point in the stroke, etc?. and that would result in a different sound?

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

You've already got some good advice so I won't add anything other than to ask a question based on your comment about the sound changing.

Did you just remove the DMT's from the box and start honing away...or did you break them in first?

I had already lapped my Swaty stone using 40 micron 3M film, but after reading about how the DMT's work better after they're broken in, I went ahead and re-lapped my Swaty with both of the DMT's to break them in and give the swaty a really smooth surface. Now I'm thinking I was only successful at making different parts of the DMT's cut at different rates.

Originally Posted by Quick

(Little to no honing experience, so this is a question and not an observation or suggestion)

You mentioned that you couldn't feel any difference on the stone with your finger (and they are assumed to be flat) but that it sounds different with the blade. Wouldn't this also be the case if your stroke wasn't even? Especially if you're applying any pressure. You probably set up the same everytime (how you hold it, how you sit positioned to the stone, etc) so your stroke is probably consistent and repeatable but it may not be even through the pass. You could be pressing or lifting on the heel, apply more or less pressure at some point in the stroke, etc?. and that would result in a different sound?

That is a *very* good thought, and quite possibly exactly what was happening. I've been avoiding the area on each stone where I had the problem with the sound and draw pressure changing tonight, but tomorrow I'll check them out again... Thanks!

Man, you guys are gonna have me honing yet!

AFDavis11, I have been honing non-stop after reading your last post. I now have the very sharpest edge I've put on a razor yet. My strokes are still slow as cold mollasses, but I don't care; the blade is sharp. I know the HHT is very controversial, but FWIW, it's passing it the entire length of the blade.

Looking forward to tomorrow's shave...

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

I had already lapped my Swaty stone using 40 micron 3M film, but after reading about how the DMT's work better after they're broken in, I went ahead and re-lapped my Swaty with both of the DMT's to break them in and give the swaty a really smooth surface. Now I'm thinking I was only successful at making different parts of the DMT's cut at different rates.

Breaking in a DMT by lapping a waterstone is a lot like sharpening a brand new Dovo using only an 12k stone. I seriously doubt if you even mildly scuffed the DMT.

Get an old metal tool of suitable size (I use a cold chisel but a screwdriver will work too) and using medium pressure "grind some metal" for a couple minutes. When you can notice the DMT feeling smoother to the touch you're done.

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

Breaking in a DMT by lapping a waterstone is a lot like sharpening a brand new Dovo using only an 12k stone. I seriously doubt if you even mildly scuffed the DMT.

Get an old metal tool of suitable size (I use a cold chisel but a screwdriver will work too) and using medium pressure "grind some metal" for a couple minutes. When you can notice the DMT feeling smoother to the touch you're done.

Think I'll go do that right now.

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

Breaking in a DMT by lapping a waterstone is a lot like sharpening a brand new Dovo using only an 12k stone. I seriously doubt if you even mildly scuffed the DMT.

Get an old metal tool of suitable size (I use a cold chisel but a screwdriver will work too) and using medium pressure "grind some metal" for a couple minutes. When you can notice the DMT feeling smoother to the touch you're done.

Either that or a ceramic hone... those damn things are HARD, and they will knock down the high points and smooth out the DMT.

I have switched from one handed honing to two handed honing and have had more success on getting even pressure from heal to toe. I use just enough pressure to insure that the blade stays flat and does not raise from the stone. With a smiling blade I use the rolling stroke to get even pressure throughout the entire length of blade. I usually lead slightly with the heal of the blade.

bj

Well, my GSSIXGUN honed Red-Injun #101 came back to me today. I must say that I had *no idea* how *sharp* a straight razor could be until I sampled Glen's work. "Glen Sharp" will now be the standard to shoot for. The hair shaft hardly even flexes before it cuts clean through on the HHT. Which, of course, it passes all the way down the blade.

I'm off to shave with it right now. The sharpest razor I've honed yet seems like a butterknife compared to this thing.

Post shave update: Tonight was my very first BBS shave with a straight blade. Glen's honing job on my red-injun let me successfully go XTG and then ATG. Total time was about 35 minutes.

New guys, you *must* get a honemeister to sharpen your blade. You really have *no idea* what you're missing out on as far as shaving comfort goes with a straight until you shave with one that has been *professionally* sharpened. And I can whole heartedly recommend GSSIXGUN for the job, too. Sharpest damn piece of metal I have *ever* seen.

I don't think I'm ever going to be able to produce an edge that sharp.

Congrats! Yea, shave ready. Its an epiphany ain't it?

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Congrats! Yea, shave ready. Its an epiphany ain't it?

Yeah, it really is... I had no idea I was so far behind on the sharpness curve. Glen's blade feels just darn near as sharp as a brand new Derby blade in my DE Gillette.

BBS with a straight... Honestly, I didn't think it'd ever happen.