When to move from 4k to 8k?

I bought a norton 4k/8k stone to start honing my own dovo, rather than paying to have it done.

I've not used the dovo for a month of so because it got just too dull to use.

I figured it'd probably need some time on the 4k before finishing on the 8k

Is that the case, or would it be 8k only?
If i'm to start on the 4k (i have done already), when should i move to the 8k?

What tests should the edge pass at 4k? it certainly does not pop hairs off my arm or pass HHT

Thankyou

If you were getting good shaves with your Dovo before, then it probably just needs a touch up. Often just 0.5 Chrome Oxide on a paddle or newspaper will be enough.

First, be sure to lap your hone.

You might not need to start on the 4k. Do 5 or so very light laps on the 8k. If the edge doesn't pass the TPT (practice the TPT and HHT with a DE blade), then go to 4k. Use a permanent marker to paint the edge (both bevels). After the edge passes the marker and TNT at the same time, on the 4k, polish up on 8k.

You might want to use pyramids too. More detail on several techniques can be found here: SRP faq index http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...faq-index.html

A nice set of videos: http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...eo-series.html

thankyou very much

Granted I'm a newb at razor honing but have been getting some comfy shaves off my new shaptons and years of knife honing while not exactly the same has helped in picking it up quickly qualifiers aside: It seems like 4k is perfect for very SLIGHT bevel touch ups any serious work drop back to the 1k if the bevel is perfect 8k.... (And yes those videos are great WATCH THEM)

Perform one conservative pyramid then test shave. If it needs more that repeat. Do this a max of 3 times.
After 3 times you will begin to get a feel for the rate of change that is occurring. From that you can judge if you need to stay with the conservative pyramid or use the aggressive pyramid.

A lot of this is judged by "feel". It takes time to develop that sense.
It is rare to hone a razor and obtain a perfect shaving edge with just one trip to the hones.


Hope this helps,:)