Thread: got microscope - Where do I start?

Here are some images of a DD Wonderedge I got off eBay. I am going to begin honing today and would like to ask the microscope mavens what grit you would start with based on these photos. They are 60x and 200x both top and bottom lighted.

left to right 200x/bl, 200x/tl, 60x/tl, 60x/bl

Originally Posted by Korndog

Here are some images of a DD Wonderedge I got off eBay. I am going to begin honing today and would like to ask the microscope mavens what grit you would start with based on these photos. They are 60x and 200x both top and bottom lighted.<sniped>

Definitely the 4k side of the Norton. Under 60X, which is as high a magnification as I go by choice, the edge ought to be smooth. After the 8k side, it out to be smooth and shiney (very few striations) when lighted from above.

I have 1k, 2k, 5k waterstones. Would you drop down to 2k here or try the 5 first?

Originally Posted by Korndog

I have 1k, 2k, 5k waterstones. Would you drop down to 2k here or try the 5 first?

I think once you get really good at this, a very brief visit to the 1k/2k to establish a basic bevel is expedient. For now, if you're sort of new to this, start with the 5k and stay there until you can shave arm hair. Once you can, move to the polishing-stones/paste-strops, and finally the plain leather.

Ok, here are pics after about 100 laps on the SHapton 5k stone with little to no pressure. Do you think that white line is a wire edge?

Originally Posted by Korndog

Ok, here are pics after about 100 laps on the SHapton 5k stone with little to no pressure. Do you think that white line is a wire edge?

Looks like it .... if you have finer stones, its time to move on. If 5k is your finest stone, back-hone a few strokes and look at it again. Once the wire is gone, make one or two light forward strokes, then on to the leather.

And yet another great thread...I don't know if I like straight shaving more or just being able to participate in such a great forum...the annotations on the pic that say "honemiester's edge" are great...lol

Originally Posted by uthed

Looks like it .... if you have finer stones, its time to move on. If 5k is your finest stone, back-hone a few strokes and look at it again. Once the wire is gone, make one or two light forward strokes, then on to the leather.

Ok, I have 8k and 15k, so I will move on to the finer stones. Do you think a pyramid is in order at this point with the 8k/15k or should I just establish a new scratch pattern with the 8k stone?

Thanks
Larry

Originally Posted by Korndog

Ok, I have 8k and 15k, so I will move on to the finer stones. Do you think a pyramid is in order at this point with the 8k/15k or should I just establish a new scratch pattern with the 8k stone?

Thanks
Larry

If you can shave arm hair with the 5k bevel, AFTER 8-10 careful light round-trip strokes on the 8K, you're all but home free. I'd say maybe another ten strokes on the 8K, 15 or so strokes on the 15K. 20-30 stropping strokes being very careful as to technique ..... btw .... I'm not a pyramid person, sorry

Ok thanks. I am not sure if I am a pyramid person. LOL. I'll try some careful finishing with the 8k and 15k and strop it up. I gues I'll shoot it at each stage just for reference.


Thanks again.