Thread: First honing, troubleshooting

Ok so I got the 3 super stones and hit up the local antique shops and bought 2 additional blades that were in like new condition. So the new blade and the 2 from the antique stores just seem to be going no where while they are on the hones. I see a little metal coming off them but not even what I would consider to be slow cutting. What may be the problem? I am positive that my stroke is correct but I am not sure on the pressure to apply. My thoughts are that all 3 razors need a trip on a 1k to set a new bevel and then hit the higher grits. Could that be the issue?

Dustin you have the 5k 8k and 12k right????

BTW didn't Randy offer to help you in person???

Yes those are the ones that I got. Was that an offer of help? I thought he just wanted to use me for my hones

From my limited experience (Glen or some one else will chime in) you need to go to the 1K to set the bevel. Sounds like the bevel is not quite there yet. From what I've seen, the bevel is the most crucial part of the whole process. A good bevel allows the razor to actually cut hair. The higher frits just polish the edge out and makes it a more comfortable shave.

For the record I can come off the 5k stone and have it cutting hair on my forearm and then I seem to lose it somewhere.

I am not sure, but if Randy wants to try out your hones and is willing to show you in person how to hone a razor you should without a doubt try and take him up on that... In person honing lessons can take off months of agony

But like Lynn was saying in your other thread there are two ways to approach your honing... One would be a pyramid theme like was laid out in that other thread...

The other way Lynn mentioned is to stay on the 5k until the edge is shaving arm hair FROM HEEL TO TOE and then move up in grit... This is the method I personally use, you should try both ways to get a shave ready razor, but from the sounds of what you have going so far you might want to go with the straight progression this time...

Once you are positive that the edge is sharp enough to pop arm hair along the whole length, then it is time to switch to the 8k and take it up a notch...
You want to go in 10 laps sets, 10 laps and do a very light TPT and see if the whole edge is sticky sharp, if you hit 30 laps and the edge isn't there, then stop, because you don't have the bevel set right, and you need more 5k work... once the edge feels sticky sharp on the 8k, then take it to the 12k for 10-20 very light smooth laps and yer done, strop and test shave.... As you can see the work is in getting the edge sharp at the 5k level that is where the work is, polishing on the 8k and 12k is the easy part...

Early on I was lucky that an expert honer lived near enough for me to go accept his gracious invitation to come over and see how he did it. So I made a number of thirty mile trips over to The Topher's house. As Glen said it saved me a lot of agony. If a picture is worth a thousand words seeing someone hone standing next to you is worth a million.

It so happens that Randy also helped me a great deal both in PMs and on the telephone. If I had a chance to go over to Randy's for some honing tutoring I would be there in a NY minute .... and that is a pair of seconds. Unfortunately 1500 miles is more than I am willing to travel.

well then... I guess I misunderstood

I will see how my work schedule looks and send him a PM.

Bingo, I think I have the trouble licked.

1. Too much water. Since these stones don't really absorb water too much on top makes the edge want to float.

2. Way too much pressure. I watched Lynn's video and sat at my computer desk and sharpened one up enough to shave with this morning. I went over the stones again tonight with 2 razors and have them very sharp at this point(wipes hair off the arm).

Now I need more razors to practice with

PM sent! Your welcome to come over at any time.