Hello Gents,
I am attempting to hone one of the antique shop razors I picked up last weekend. I am using a Norton combo stone of unknown grit (it is dark grey on the “rough” side and orange on the “smooth” side). I started by gently “bread knifing” the razor’s edge-just to ensure the edge was straight. I then began a series of x pattern strokes using very light pressure- just enough to keep the blade in contact with the stone. I am only using the grey side of the stone at this point, I plan on going to the orange after the bevel is set across the entire edge.
The bevel was re-established in the heel area first, working inward. I figured this would continue all the way across the blade, but eventually the bevel was re-established at the toe, working inward. The middle area (about 20% of the total blade length at this point) still reflected light and was not sharp. At this point I suspected that the uneven honing might be due to the stone being “dished” in the middle, and began a more “flattened” X pattern to expose the blade to a larger surface of the stone (I hope this makes sense). This seemed to make a difference, as I noticed the middle area getting smaller in length as well as reflecting less light. I was happy with the progress I was making.
I continued honing and while the middle “dull” section got smaller, there is still an area that reflects light and is not sharp. The sharp areas “drag” and cut into my thumbnail when drawn across the nail surface, but the middle area glides across it, so I have 2 indications that the middle section is not sharp. The problem is that it seems like the honing progress has stopped, the middle section is tiny (about 10 % or so) but the bevel has not been re-established there yet.
I have considered using an alternate stroke that concentrates only on the middle section, but I am worried that the result will be an inconsistent bevel that will cause more problems in the long run. I guess what I am wondering is, if I am not seeing improvement, what are my options at this point? Keep on keeping on, or modify what I am doing?
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Adam