Thread: Point me in the right direction...

Randy,

I'm not sure how old the Simmons is, but it is in incredible shape. Tight blade fit, no scratches on the blade or scales. No water spots or rust, just no edge. I've got the RS microscope, need to pick up some batteries tonight. I have taken it from sliding right off of the thumbnail (no grip) to having a uniform (at least IMO) drag across the thumbnail. Feel like I'm on the right track, but have hit a wall. Any suggestions on a 1000 grit stone? I've got a Carborandum (sp?) that is fairly coarse, but can't make out the number on it. Also, it is an oil hone, and I'm not sure what oil to use. Yep, just plain old newbie questions at this point!

RT

If the microscope shows only minor nicks in the edge then use the 4000 stone in a circular pattern to establish the bevel and remove the nicks.
The 1000 grit is very aggressive, I only use it to remove large nicks and establish a bevel on an edge that has rust or pitting.

The two stones that you mentioned would fall into the very coarse category
(in razor terms). They are also very slow. If they are to coarse they WILL!
chip the edge of the razor.
A better solution is either a 1000 grit sheet of sandpaper or a 1000 grit waterstone. A Norton is the best of the stones for a straight razor.

Let us know what the microscope says.


Hope this helps,

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Randy,

I'm not sure how old the Simmons is, but it is in incredible shape. Tight blade fit, no scratches on the blade or scales. No water spots or rust, just no edge. I've got the RS microscope, need to pick up some batteries tonight. I have taken it from sliding right off of the thumbnail (no grip) to having a uniform (at least IMO) drag across the thumbnail. Feel like I'm on the right track, but have hit a wall. Any suggestions on a 1000 grit stone? I've got a Carborandum (sp?) that is fairly coarse, but can't make out the number on it. Also, it is an oil hone, and I'm not sure what oil to use. Yep, just plain old newbie questions at this point!

RT

Thanks for all of the helpful input! Hopefully, I will get the batteries for the microscope today. Work has kept me busy. I will follow up with a report tonight on the blade condition. Also, I just got a razor back from Lynn, so I will have a razor for good comparison.

Would a Norton 1000 grit be a good stone to have in my arsenol? My immediate plans are to get the pastes I need for my paddle strop to take care of my shaving razors, but I am enjoying the challenge of "restoring" a razor to shaving sharpness.

RT

A Norton 1000 was one of the best investments I have made when it comes to restoring the bevel on a Ebay special.

Just my two cents,