Thread: Significant disadvantage of X-pattern or i do it incorrectly ?

Yes, 12k can give you a very nice shaving edge.

I've read that some Germans finish up on a 6k hone. The mainstream here at SRP seems to like at least 8k. Quite a few like 12k or more. I often get good shaves from several barber hones that are probably in the 9k to 11k range. Sometimes even finishing up by stropping newspaper (around 0.1 micron, over 60k).

In my opinion, 4k is a bit rough to put a really "enjoyable" finished shaving edge on a razor.

In my opinion, 4k is a bit rough to put a really "enjoyable" finished shaving edge on a razor.

I'm just coming to the same conclusion. I will try to hone on 12k now but i think it will take plenty of time (at least 200 strokes or more)

Originally Posted by kekon

I'm just coming to the same conclusion. I will try to hone on 12k now but i think it will take plenty of time (at least 200 strokes or more)

Maybe picking up an 8K ASAP would be a good option. A big jump from 4 to 12K.

Try other honing patterns such as the 20 deg. side honing technique demonstrated in my DVD, "Honing the Perfect Edge". This technique is fine for narrow stones and it also reduces any chipping tendency.

I've just found and ordered 8k hone. I had been searching for it for 2 weeks. It's not cheap but i accept the price. When i receive it and flatten i will try to hone on it and say how it goes.

Originally Posted by kekon

Unfortunately my hones are narrower than the length of blades of my razors so i have to employ X-patten when honing. I noticed that it causes irregular metal removal from the spine. The most metal is removed from the middle of the spine and it looks "flat" there. However, this effect appears mainly on one side of the spine; the second side looks better (the abrasion effect is more regular). The irregularity of the spine translates also on bevel unevenness which in turn makes honing more difficult. There is also another thing that bothers me. Namely, when performing a stroke on the hone the the heel touches it for much shorter time than the rest of the blade. This causes worse sharpness of the heel. Can these problems be corrected or do i have to get wider hones ?

since this only happens on one side of the blade it might be as simple as you are tilting the blade a little when the middle is coming off the hone. two suggestions try a 3 inch wide hone and make your your stroke stays flat.. i have to be careful with my narrow hones because it is so easy to not have a flat stroke.

Originally Posted by Howard

Try other honing patterns such as the 20 deg. side honing technique demonstrated in my DVD, "Honing the Perfect Edge". This technique is fine for narrow stones and it also reduces any chipping tendency.

When might this long awaited DVD be coming up for sale Howard ? Inquiring minds want to know.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

When might this long awaited DVD be coming up for sale Howard ? Inquiring minds want to know.

I just looked at his website and i think it is available now!

two suggestions try a 3 inch wide hone and make your your stroke stays flat.. i have to be careful with my narrow hones because it is so easy to not have a flat stroke.

I can't get any wider hone now. My hones are 2 inch wide. Maybe 8k hone will help because i have only 4k now. (i will get 8k next week)
That's why i use second hand and put a finger on the spine to prevent lifting up the blade to keep it flat on the hone. I don't use any pressure, just a very light touch with the finger.

Two inch wide hone is fine for straight razors. Narrow hones are preferred by many and most of the old barber hones were 2 1/2. If you can't keep it flat on a 2 you won't keep it flat on a wider hone. Take your time and practice your stroke. Personally I prefer a one handed stroke. Like you I began having difficulty keeping the blade flat throughout the stroke and used two hands. I read on the forum that it is better to use one and began really concentrating on my stroke using one hand. Keep at it and it will come to you.