Thread: Sharp on One Side

Up to this point I have had the luxury of only doing some light maintenance honing on the razors. This time I was not too far off and stopped before getting too far off course. Luckily, with the help of Bart, Howard, Xman and reviewing David Polan's videos http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...eo-series.html, was able to analyze the inconsistencies in my technique.

I started with stropping and concentrating on keeping the strop as taught as possible, but this did not correct the problem. It was time to revisit the hones, but with more mindfulness this time.

In reflecting on how I had been honing, I believed that the edge was not centered due to unconscious inconsistencies in pressure and possibly switching hands. The un-centered edge would require the blade to be held at different angles on each side to get the same cutting performance. The chisel example would apply.

The solution: Take as many variables for inconsistencies out of the process. I had been standing. In reviewing the honing videos available and applying principles of precision long distance shooting I realized I could increase my stability thus consistency with the more support. I decided to sit instead of stand. The hones were on a table which would put them right about diaphragm level.

I also decided to hone (as in David Polan's videos) using one hand rolling the blade on the spine. I know there are some who advocate switching hands, and that is how I did it up to this point. I strop with one hand and have never had a problem maintaining an edge on my other razors for 8+ months with only the strop. The point being as in stropping, the one hand exerts minimal and more consistent pressure, but at a slower speed.

With a return to the hones and the above changes in approach I started out with
5X 4000 and 5X 8000
3X 4000 and 5X 8000
1X 4000 and 5X 8000
1X 4000 and 5X 8000
1X 4000 and 5X 8000

then moved to the 8000 and 12000 where I did 3 rounds of 1X 8000 and 10X 12000. Hairs were popping with equal efficiency on both sides using the same angle. I went to the strop and everything worked out the way it should.

The point of all this is sometimes a new (used razor) will present a challenge that requires some examination of technique and procedure, or perhaps, in this case, expose that I had been getting away with less than consistent technique.

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