Thread: Setting the bevel (just venting)

OK, so I'M setting the bevel on my modded DA (I breadknifed it to tame the smile) and it is taking FOREVER. Seriously. I read the wiki, and I know this is normal, but man, do I want to shave with this thing already!

I seem to have plateaued on my 1k, and it just isn't getting any keener. It'll pop some arm hairs WTG, but ATG it just folds them over...*sigh*

Guess it's back to the 400...


Ok, I'm done venting.

It's funny you should mention it. I have honed up a couple dozen razors with no problems, but my DA gives me the same results you describe. I bought it new, and did so much work trying to get the bevel set to my liking that I put almost 2mm of hone wear on it. I still don't have it near as sharp as my other razors and where I would like it to be. This reminds me though, I ought to grab it and have another go at it.

DA's are okay. Not great, not bad, but a solid okay.

I wouldn't rely too heavily on your arm hair test at this stage. Given that the bevel setting takes all the time, how about you go ahead with the rest of your progression or pyramids and then do a test shave. If it shaves okay, you're done. If not, then you can go back to the 400 or 1k for another round of metal removal. It's worth a shot!

edit: Will learn to read the entire post next time.

Yeah, breadknifing it is very bad.

I use the PPT at this point. If there isn't a good
description of the palm-pad test around at this
point, I ought to do one with pictures.

- Scott

Jim a couple of quick questions that actually might help just from the asking...

Are you using 3 layers of tape like I wrote in the thread????

Did you fix the heel on the DA so that the entire blade is resting on the stone and not being lifted off the back 1/3 of the edge by the shoulder????

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Jim a couple of quick questions that actually might help just from the asking...

Are you using 3 layers of tape like I wrote in the thread????

Did you fix the heel on the DA so that the entire blade is resting on the stone and not being lifted off the back 1/3 of the edge by the shoulder????

Hey Glen, what thread is that? I don't want to miss any of your great info!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Jim a couple of quick questions that actually might help just from the asking...

Are you using 3 layers of tape like I wrote in the thread????

Did you fix the heel on the DA so that the entire blade is resting on the stone and not being lifted off the back 1/3 of the edge by the shoulder????

Thanks Glen, I started off without the tape, but I added three layers when I rechecked the wiki and realised I'd missed it. I used the tape on my Diamond 400 and took them off on the 1k, but I might have made a double bevel by doing that...read on.

I established a bevel to the point where it would wipe hairs off my arm wet, so I decided to eventally go up the progression--BBW/Cot then finished off on my Shapton 12k pro and then CrOx. Now, here's the problem...There's still a clear step between the very cutting edge and a little further up the "shoulder" of the bevel. What I mean is, under magnification there's a very smooth, shiny area and then, just at the cutting edge, it has a rougher look to it. I'm still going to shave test it tomorrow, but I'm afraid I might have screwed it up...

Originally Posted by JimR

Thanks Glen, I started off without the tape, but I added three layers when I rechecked the wiki and realised I'd missed it. I used the tape on my Diamond 400 and took them off on the 1k, but I might have made a double bevel by doing that...read on.

By removing the tape going to finer grits, you'll reshape your entire "wide" bevel (I call it that lacking a better name) to a more narrow, pointier one, and here's the problem, starting at the outside. So you'll get the smoother surface, at a different angle, further away from the actual edge, but where the sides touch, you'll still have your 400 grit "wide" bevel. If you want I can draw a diagram using my finest of Paint-skillz.

Glen is right you will need to have set bevel with 3 layers of tape and keep that tape until you will finish up .This is the way get DA in shaving condition. Even then you will not have one of the best shave but shave will be ok.
I would say go back and set bevel with 3 layers on and move forward.