Thread: Honing - Pyramid Schemes

Can someone describe in detail what exactly a "pyramid" scheme is with respect to honing? I'm just starting out teaching myself to hone razors. I have a couple of razors on which I can practice. I've read a lot about using a pyramid when honing and would like to know exactly what that is. Thanks for any information you guys can provide.

Jeff

Str8,

The Pyramid scheme is where I sell you a hone at a...nevermind. Try this:

I can't get the link to work properly, so do a search under Pyramid. You'll find quite a few good postes there. Look for the one titled "Pyramid question".

RT

There's an explanation in brief in the Help files too.

The Pyramid method of honing was developed by the founder of this site, Lynn Abrams. It essentially is honing alternately on the 4000 grit then the 8000 grit side of the Norton hone, then going back to the 4000 followed by the 8000 again, etc. with the number of laps on the 4000 decreasing as a the number of laps on the 8000 increases.

What is really needed for us to help you is to know what condition the razors are in. New? previously shaving but need a touch up? Ebay special that has not been used in 50 years? Nicks on the edge? etc

Have a pic you can post?

Hope this helps

I currently have three razors: Dovo "Special" 5/8; TI "Evide Sonnant Extra" 5/8; Hen & Rooster 5/8. I've got a fourth coming soon, an SRP L/E TI 6/8. My Dovo and TI have been honed by Lynn. The H&R was honed by Tony prior to shipment. My L/E SRP razor has been shipped to Lynn for honing but I haven't yet received it.

I also have my grandfather's three razors. They are not the sharpest tools in the shed, but the blades are in really good condition. I plan on spending my time as apprentice on these razors before I begin honing the three/four that I currently use.

I plan on buying a Norton 4k/8k, 3" to use.

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

I currently have three razors: Dovo "Special" 5/8; TI "Evide Sonnant Extra" 5/8; Hen & Rooster 5/8. I've got a fourth coming soon, an SRP L/E TI 6/8. My Dovo and TI have been honed by Lynn. The H&R was honed by Tony prior to shipment. My L/E SRP razor has been shipped to Lynn for honing but I haven't yet received it.

I also have my grandfather's three razors. They are not the sharpest tools in the shed, but the blades are in really good condition. I plan on spending my time as apprentice on these razors before I begin honing the three/four that I currently use.

I plan on buying a Norton 4k/8k, 3" to use.

Thanks for the info.

I surmise that you are thinking of using the Pyramid method on your grandfathers razors. Assuming that the edges are not chipped nor oxidised then you may want to take a conservative approach. I am assuming that you will use a Norton 4000/8000 for honing.

I would start by performing both the thumbnail test and the thumb test.
Then you have a basis for comparison.

Start by using the following sequence

4000 hone 8000 hone
15 laps 5 laps, followed by
10 laps 5 laps, followed by
5 laps 5 laps, followed by etc
3 5
3 5
3 5
1 5
1 5
1 5
Thats 15 laps on the 4000 followed by 5 laps on the 8000, then return to the 4000 for 10 laps followed by 5 laps on the 8000, etc

Use the thumb test whenever you wish to learn what rate of change is occuring.
If you are not satisfied with the edge after this first set then do another set but start lower in the sequence, at 10/5, and work you way down again.

If still not good enough then do a third sequence but start lower still at
5/5 and work your way down.

By now you will begin to understand the rate of change that occurs with this method and you can adjust the sequence to suit the razor at hand.

Your razor may not need all of this or it may need much more. It all depends on the starting condition of the razors edge, the steel, the amount of pressure used and your technique.

Hope this helps,

I will be practicing on my Granddad's old razors. The blades are in good shape but very dull. I'll see what my technique is like once I start as I've never honed a razor before.

Once I get my 4/8 Norton I will put this information to good use. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again,

Jeff