Suggestions on honing please

**holli4pirating** · 10-12-2009, 05:10 PM

So I've got a razor that's just been sitting for a while, cause I'm not really sure what would be the best way to hone her. The razor has cutouts on the spine, much like this one that hi_bud_gl just posted (I stole his pics so I wouldn't have to photograph my own razor - it seemed easier).

As a result of the cutouts, the spine width and honing angle change abruptly. This causes a "clicking" noise on the hone as the razor moves off the spine and into the recessed area. As such, I don't think honing the razor like a normal razor is a good idea. My first thought was to tape the recessed area to even things out, but I thought I'd ask if anyone else has ideas. Someone must have honed a blade like this before...

**rayman** · 10-12-2009, 05:55 PM

I personally think your first instints are correct. You need to get that spine as equal as possible. I would do whatever it took to accomplish that. Once you get it relatively flat across that spine, then try to hone it and see what the results are.

Ray

**JimmyHAD** · 10-12-2009, 06:05 PM

Just to play the devil's advocate ..... once the razor is laying on the hone ( not the spine) the honing flats will be making contact and the V shape at the top or the spine on the end shouldn't be an issue ..... If I'm interpreting the photo correctly ?

Edit; Taking another look I'm not sure of my previous assumption .... need to see the side of the blade with the razor open.

**Joed** · 10-12-2009, 06:13 PM

I would say "It depends." Does the blade have a smile? Is it warped? Want to save it for a few more weeks and bring it to the meet? I would suggest the last as the answer is dependent on the blade more so than most.

**gssixgun** · 10-12-2009, 06:15 PM

I would like to see more pics too...

But my first guess said "You are missing a piece" I think there is a slide on attachment missing here....Either a Faux Frame-back or some type of attachment

**hi_bud_gl** · 10-12-2009, 06:16 PM

let me tell you couple things first.
Table which i am using is not sharpening table. it is my study table. i turned my hand to make visible to watcher what i was doing.
i did show with my index finger location of the differences on the back of the blade. if you pay attention you will see i stop right there.
i have showed. straight strokes. 45 degree and more then 80 degree. it is just to show how you can do it.
i ended up sharpen this blade and when i made x strokes all way to the end if my hands is straight i didn't hear any click. Click comes up if you pushing blade down.
There is perfect equal level back cutting side and uncut ting side of the blade.( hope i am clear on this)
Purpose of this was in case if your blade warped you can use any of that method you will see. hope this helps.
Edit Back of the blade is perfect straight. Nothing is missing in there.you need to make straight strokes without pushing blade down.
YouTube - Video 9

**avatar1999** · 10-12-2009, 06:34 PM

I saw a razor like that on ebay. Wondered the same thing (why I didn't bid on it.)

+1 on the previous advice

I would kinda combine the suggestions so far to say:

Check to see if the blade has a smile. Tape the actual spine. Use a diagonal X stroke like Sham did in his video. You will REALLY have to concentrate on your stroke as not to pull the actual spine off the hone, AND not to tilt the razor so the REAL spine doesn't lift up off the hone.

Aside from that, other than taking it to the meetup, I have no idea.

Maybe Lynn or another Honemeister will pop up to save the day here...with all the razors they've honed, someone HAS to have encountered one like this.

Looking forward to hearing the solution to this kinda razor

**ben.mid** · 10-12-2009, 07:18 PM

Is it possible to hone with the blade at 45 degrees, instead of the more common 90? If you keep the thicker part of the spine on the hone all the way through the stroke will it not remedy the situation? It sounds a bit simple, so i'm probably missing a little.

**holli4pirating** · 10-12-2009, 09:56 PM

Jimmy, looking a the blade edge up, it is clear that the "spine" is thinner where the cutouts are. I've got to get out my camera to photograph some other blades tonight, so I'll add in a shot of that.

Yup, for whatever reason, I hadn't thought of honing at an angle in order to keep the thicker part of the spine on the hone at all times. There is a little bit of a smile, so it might be tricky, but I should be able to manage (I'd better be able to, this blade was supposed to be in my personal rotation already!). Thanks for the input, guys.

**avatar1999** · 10-13-2009, 01:07 AM

Good luck with the honing!

Let us know how it works out, never know when one might end up in one of our rotations

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