Thread: Spine and edge while honing

From what I have read, the spine and the edge should both be touching the hone, but doesn't that wear down the spine of the razor? For those who have mastered honing (I'm definitely not part of that group), do you lift the spine just slightly so that it's not in contact with the hone?

Thanks,
Rob

I'm not a "master" honer. But IMO, no. the spline keeps the bevel of the edge uniform. Therefore, both will wear down at the same rate keeping the same edge on the blade. This will be different in sharpening a wedge since they do not have a hollow ground.

Rob's right, Rob. If you lift the spine it'll destroy the shaving edge and you'll have to rebevel. Remember as well that the edge is much thinner than the spine and will hone away faster than the spine anyhow. Ideally, the pressure should be such that you're not so much honing away the dullness as reshaping it into keeness.

X

Keep the spine and the edge on the hone! Don't worry about the wear to the spine. That is normal. Also keep the pressure even along the entire length of the blade, not more pressure on the tip or the heel. If your pressure is even then the width of the bevel will be the same along the entire length of the edge.

Hope this helps,

Guys,

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it!

Rob

Less strokes are better. Unless your razor has been ground or sharpened a ton, you really should not remove much on the spine honing and touching it up. Keep the blade very flat and a nice, even, smooth stroke on the hone should get it done for you. Lynn

What is the condition of your razor, new or used, professionally honed or?

The amount of pressure to use is critical. For a new razor or one that was shaving sharp and just needs a touch up use only the amount of pressure necessary to keep the razor flat on the hone.

For other circumstances.... let us know what the deal is and what tools you have.

They are used razors and my guess is that they were honed only by the previous owner. I have a Norton 4k/8k. I laid the razors flat on the hone and did the X pattern, but they are as dull now as what they were before I tried to hone them. I used very light pressure (basically just slid the razor across the hone). I watched the John West video and read the guide from Chris Moss and then followed the number of laps recommended in the honing guide. It appeared as if the process would be easy, but I guess not.

Don't know why I didn't think of this before, but my barber uses a straight razor (not a feather) for neck shaves. When I called for a haircut appointment I have this week, I asked if my barber (who was out when I called) could give me some pointers on honing. His brother who is also a barber at this family run barbershop told me that they will show me how to hone a razor. So Thursday night will be my first honing lesson! I'm looking forward to knowing how to hone a razor properly and to having a few more keen razors from which to choose from.

Rob

Originally Posted by rktosa123

Thursday night will be my first honing lesson! I'm looking forward to knowing how to hone a razor properly and to having a few more keen razors from which to choose from.
Rob

Please report back here. It would be wonderful to get the straight dope as you recieve it.

X

I'll post on Friday what honing tips I learn from my barber on Thursday night.

For those of you who hone your razors, for razors which are dull and have no nicks on the blade, how long does it take to hone a razor?

Rob