Thread: Intentionally dulling a razor

Originally Posted by kevint

" By lightly polishing the edge it is possible to achieve a similar result as is necessary when honing single bevels- the back side must be flat, high polish. When the bevels meet there are no residual nicks or scratches or hanging burs to interfere"

I am only suggesting that by creating a small flat on the edge via breadknife jointing stroke(s) there may be some benefit which is similar to the process of single bevel sharpening.

As a beginner to straight shaving I am not saying I have figured it out. I have some parameters set out that I hope will help me continue to learn those aspects most important to me. Mainly; long lasting, high performance edges.

At this point I cannot imagine using a different tool, or of a no need to shave scenario developing, so I am in it forever.

What stone are you using that creates this flat surface? If it is in the 8000 range now you have a intersection of three planes of scratches.
M

OK, I am not sure we have reached a conclusion here.

So, I will ask a question to clarify things for me.

If I have a razor where the front doesn't make contact on the edge nearest the tang and the back doesn't make contact near the toe, would dulling the edge mae it easier to get rid of the old bevel and start over?

That's probably clear as mud.

That does not sound like an edge issue to me - it sounds more like a spine or grind issue. But in any event, I cannot see how dulling the edge in that case would specifically help, but others perhaps with a better understanding will hopefully chime in.

James.

Originally Posted by Pyment

OK, I am not sure we have reached a conclusion here.

So, I will ask a question to clarify things for me.

If I have a razor where the front doesn't make contact on the edge nearest the tang and the back doesn't make contact near the toe, would dulling the edge mae it easier to get rid of the old bevel and start over?

That's probably clear as mud.

Originally Posted by Pyment

If I have a razor where the front doesn't make contact on the edge nearest the tang and the back doesn't make contact near the toe, would dulling the edge mae it easier to get rid of the old bevel and start over?

No.

It sounds like a warped blade. I would put it on a narrow hone.

I think if one thing can be accomplished from this thread is that sharpeners develop idiosynchrosies over time. Some make sense some might be just our own style. The only question I have is when heavier grits stones are used to BK even early in the development of the bevel can cause longitudinal fractures or long deep scratches later on and that is no good IME. I don't think the "honemeisters" were suggesting dulling withcoarser stones but it did show up earlier that is why I am addressing it not to confuse newer to honing.
M

Shoot, I only breadknife an edge (lightly on glass or otherwise, it's the same thing) if I am ****ed at the razor and am going for the "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure. " approach.

Otherwise, I think it's a waste of time and steel.

Originally Posted by Kingfish

I think if one thing can be accomplished from this thread is that sharpeners develop idiosynchrosies over time. Some make sense some might be just our own style. The only question I have is when heavier grits are used to BK even early in the development of the bevel can cause longitudinal fractures later on and that is no good IME. I don't think the "honemeisters" were suggesting but it did show up earlier that is why I am addressing it not to confuse newer to honing.
M

HUH???????????

Originally Posted by Kingfish

What stone are you using that creates this flat surface? If it is in the 8000 range now you have a intersection of three planes of scratches.
M

Just as in single bevel there is little advantage polishing the back above the level of the finish hone.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

HUH???????????

Long scratches going lengthwise with the bevel from lower grit stones. Not talking about lightly passing the blade over something real fine. I do this at times too, but not every time.
Mike

Originally Posted by kevint

Just as in single bevel there is little advantage polishing the back above the level of the finish hone.

Kevin, are you relating what you are saying to a slight back bevel on a single bevel?