Thread: Honing a blade with a "bend" in the blade as if dinged?

I'm not sure exactly how to describe this blade effectively, but I'll try. If you look at the edge, it's supposed to be perfectly straight, right? Well imaigne you supported the blade on each end so that it's laying flat (as if honing, stropping, etc), then took a tiny ball peen hammer and lightly tapped down on the edge, perpendicular to the blade width. When looking straight at the sharp edge of the blade, it would look something like:

Toe
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\
/
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|
|
|
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Heel

Now, this is a complete exaggeration as to what is actually going on with the blade in question. When looking at the blade edge, no matter how hard I try, I cannot see this ding, the edge looks straight, and even when honing it, it pushes a nice wake of water, but I definitely know it's there, because a section of the blade will not get the bevel set, and upon further investigation, when I view the grind in the light, I can ever so slightly see the light reflections that indicate a ding like I described.

I've been trying to set the bevel to no avail. The above 'picture' actually shows about where this damage is (in relation to the heel/toe). I've been working on the D8E with a taped spine, trying to get the bevel set. I can get the very tip set great, and the back half of the blade too, but there's a good 1/2" or so that I can't set the bevel on. It's definitely due to the ding as I can visually see where the bevel looks OK before and after the ding, but right at the center of it, it's obvious from the look of the bevel, on both sides, which way the ding cupping is. I've done quite a number of passes with the spine taped (it's actually a very nice Geneva razor with very little hone wear) and it's just taking forever, seemingly getting no where.

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever honed a razor with this type of damage? Will I eventually get through the ding and get the bevel set, or is it unlikely? I feel like it's theoretically possible, but it's just taking forever. I have been using 45* heel leading X strokes which push a good wake of water. I thought about doing a rolling stroke, but the blade sits so flat on the hone throughout the stroke (even during the damaged section, it appears to sit pretty flat), and the area of the damage is so small that it would be hard to judge the roll properly, I think.

Any thoughts? Just keep at it? I'm going to pick up a D8C this weekend to lap with (sandpaper is way too annoying!), and I was thinking if I don't get this blade in line by then, I'll try it at the D8C to see if I can speed up clearing through this damage, if it's even possible.

I think you can hone through anything, but you might look up "breadknifing" to see what they say about that if your feeling impatient.

Your only in Alexandria too, so if you need maybe we can just hook up by your place. I work down at Ft. Belvoir every day.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I think you can hone through anything, but you might look up "breadknifing" to see what they say about that if your feeling impatient.

Your only in Alexandria too, so if you need maybe we can just hook up by your place. I work down at Ft. Belvoir every day.

Good luck.

I actually did bread knife this razor already for another problem, that looking back on it, was probably related. The problem with the way the ding on this one is, is that I'd have to breadknife off 3/16" to 1/4" as the ding is kind of higher up in the grind. So that isn't very practical. I think if I keep at it enough, though, I can have a bevel that IS set, but is varying in width, if that makes sense.

Oh cool, yeah, you aren't that far at all. We'll have to hook up some time, that would be nice!

You have a golden opportunity to meet with Alan and pick up some valuable experience. I had the same good fortune in having an experienced member living near enough to meet with me and gracious enough to show me what he knew and that was quite a bit. Cut the learning curve by miles.

Are you using the marker test ? That will tell you if the stroke you're using is effective.

How about magnification. A microscope or an eye loupe is of great benefit to me in my honing.

Most of the posts and tutorials you will find on SRP and elsewhere suggest light pressure in honing razors. Weight of the blade and all of that. That is correct for a clean edge in good or better condition.

In setting bevels, particularly on problem razors a fair amount of pressure is the way I was shown by the fellow who taught me. Works very well to get the job done. It is hard to describe in a post how much pressure to use.

Circle and paint brush, back and forth strokes, and a fair amount of pressure ought to get it. It has worked for me.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

In setting bevels, particularly on problem razors a fair amount of pressure is the way I was shown by the fellow who taught me. Works very well to get the job done. It is hard to describe in a post how much pressure to use.

Circle and paint brush, back and forth strokes, and a fair amount of pressure ought to get it. It has worked for me.

+1
But yeah if you have the chance to meet with Alan in person, take it....