Thread: Edge on Norton Hone

Hey guys,

After spending a good amount of time setting what I thought was a good bevel on a 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper..I moved to the norton 4k/8k only to realize that the edge of the razor was getting worst and worst.

I think I might know what the problem is..Is it possible that the edge of the hone aren't flat enough and that when I do my X patern I just end up grinding the blade against it...?

I went from popping hair on my leg after the 1k to having problem even shaving just a little..

If your stone isn't flat that is a problem, but It may also be the lack of consistency of your strokes.Or that you use to much pressure.I know I did when starting on the norton.

It should be flat, I used Norton's flattening stone yesterday..

After spending so much time on the 1k I thought I was on the right track..

I could also hear a difference between when the blade was in the center of the hone and when it got to the sides.

what bladewith is your razor? I find it much easier to hone a razor that is 6/8 or wider, than the more narrow blades.Also make sure you read up on the wiki on various sharpnes tests and honing procidures.It really helps.

Are the edges of your Norton 4K properly chamfered?

It's a Frederick Reynolds 5/8 blade. I did a lot probably about 150-200 passes on a 1k wet/sand paper. It seemed to pass the popping hair test alright but I'm not sure about the other ones. The razor was bought in good shape and shave ready not so long ago, but I made the mistake of touching it up on a barber hone without tapping the spine..So I thought I would set a new bevel and restart the whole thing without tape.

yes I think they are...The hone is pretty much brand new (got it second hand but it was only lapped and used about 3 times by the previous owner)

The 1k sandpaper might be the problem. I reckon that it has set a shallower bevel than the stones would naturally carve. Do the "edge uniformity test" and you'll probably see different wear patterns. Use a black marker and trace along the bevel. Let it dry and take 1-2 swipes along the hone to see the wear pattern.

I've had this problem before.

Also as a possibility, the 1000 grit might make a toothier edge that feels sharper, while the 4000 grit is knocking the teeth and deep striations off that give the false "sharp" feeling.

My two cents.

Mark