Thread: Why does the razor get burs?

I use a Norton 4/8 k and between that and my stopping I can get my blades good and sharp. I still need a coticule but for some reason there's not much extra coin laying around! So; I did the pyramid yesterday and shaved this morning to find my face was left with stubbles. No matter how many times I went over my face I just couldn't get it smooth. I rehoned my blade in the circular motions like Lynn showed on his DVD and everything is back to normal; but, why do they bur. Are they micro chips in the metal or something and should I just use the circular motions whenever I hone my blades from now on?

As always: thanks in advance! Jeff

Are you sure it's creating a burr, or was it simply not sharp enough before?

Do you have a little microscope that you could look at the edge closer with? I have a little 30x handheld microscope gizmo (I think it's honestly meant for children) and it works great for looking closer at the bevel.

If it was micro-chipping or something of the sort, I would imagine it would be noticeable even at a little magnification.

It passes the HHT test but I've learned that the best test is simply shaving. I've got a compound microscope that will do the job "probably too well" but the stage is metal and I'm terrified that I'll ruin my blade with it. It may not be sharp enough like you say... I've only been at it for 3 months and I'm no where close to proficient yet.

Well if it shaves and passes the HHT, I doubt it has chips in the edge, unless it's shaving REALLY painfully...

It just sounds like it isn't quite as sharp as it could be. You could always just try giving it a few extra laps on your finest stone, i.e. 8k or higher. Or if you have any chromium oxide on a strop, that'll surely help it.

I don't see the need of using circular motions each time you hone, I was under the impression that this wouldn't create the keenest edge. I've only used circular honing on a coarser hone to speed up the process. But I'm still a honing newb, so take it for what it's worth.

Thanks very much! I'll work at it a bit more if it needs it and get the coticule when I can.

Originally Posted by jmueller8

Thanks very much! I'll work at it a bit more if it needs it and get the coticule when I can.

No worries. You'll be happy with the coticule when you do get one. I have one sitting on my bathroom counter as we speak.

Jeff I am just a little confused here on this one...
What kind and type of razor????
when was it honed last???
what grit were you doing circles on????
did you just try the regular pyramid first???

PS to bad you didn't post this last week I was in Colorado

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Jeff I am just a little confused here on this one...
What kind and type of razor????
when was it honed last???
what grit were you doing circles on????
did you just try the regular pyramid first???

PS to bad you didn't post this last week I was in Colorado

It's a 6/8" Dovo "Best Quality" Carbon Steel Straight Razor with Blond Scales (simplistic and yet beautiful), I honed it last month (my beard pattern really beats up the blade, I did circles on the 8k side, and I did the regular pyramid first.


Oh that is too bad, WireBeard and I are out here. I would have tried to slip out for a drink and some education.

OK lets get you back up and running,
Start on the 4k don't go anywhere else but that 4k
make sure it is lapped and even
Start with very light pressure (note not zero pressure)
start doing 10 lap sets
continue doing them until the edge evens up and is nice, smooth and shiny..
The edge has to pop arm hair from the toe to the heel, period
This gives you a repeatable stage in honing....

Once it's there then do 10 more very light very perfect x strokes...
Now and only now go to the 8k
Do 10 lap sets, very light, should take about 20 laps maybe 30 depending on your stroke...
Strop the crap out of it, use .50 paste if you have it, and go shave....

The tuff part is always getting a repeatable point for honing, the more you hone the easier it gets, as your technique improves....
Also burrs or an over honed edge is normally from to much pressure...

PS: Don't buy anymore stones untill you master the 4/8

I'll do it tonight and let you know how it turns out. I've only got it to pass the HHT test after stropping so that's likely my problem right there! Thanks very much! Next time you're out here give me a yell!