Wavy Bevel and Heel Issues
Sadly, this morning, my Dovo 5/8 had an unfortunate encounter with the faucet.
Though I am rather green when it comes to honing, I managed to get the nick out, and it seems to be working fine again.
However, with the X pattern I am using, the bevel is much more developed toward the middle of the blade (this section is in contact with the stone longer, of course), and the heel is getting almost no attention (starting higher up doesn't work, as the shank itself gets in the way of the blade lying correctly).
So, is the wavy bevel a problem? And what tips do you guys have for getting that heel nice and keen?
Thanks!
Re: Wavy Bevel and Heel Issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danist
Sadly, this morning, my Dovo 5/8 had an unfortunate encounter with the faucet.
Though I am rather green when it comes to honing, I managed to get the nick out, and it seems to be working fine again.
However, with the X pattern I am using, the bevel is much more developed toward the middle of the blade (this section is in contact with the stone longer, of course), and the heel is getting almost no attention (starting higher up doesn't work, as the shank itself gets in the way of the blade lying correctly).
So, is the wavy bevel a problem? And what tips do you guys have for getting that heel nice and keen?
Thanks!
The "wavy" bevel is a potential permanent problem. If you hold the razor with the edge downward and parallel to the floor, the edge should look like a straight line OR a have a slight scimitar, smile shape to it.
If you continue to hone your razor the way you are, you're going to have a "frown" to your razor's edge shape and that's bad. Eventually, the razor will become prematurely unuseable. You ought to correct your technique.
Instead of a very steep X-pattern covering only a few inches of your hone, lengthen the sweep to use more of the hone.
Also, the greater threat is continuing to rinse your blade under the faucet and risking another razor-2-faucet collision. Why not get a number of old towels or buy some cheap ones (or Ray's barber towels?) and wipe the blade on those as you go along? It's hard to ding an edge on a towel.
Re: Wavy Bevel and Heel Issues
Instead of a very steep X-pattern covering only a few inches of your hone, lengthen the sweep to use more of the hone.
David, can you give us a graphic of the motion you are talking about or perhaps a 3 part photo sequence of the movement?
1. Beginning of stroke
2. Middle of stroke
3. End of stroke
That would be most helpful.
Tanks,
:)