Thread: Help with fine tuning.....

Originally Posted by bjanzen

I understand that..... Just trying to understand the puzzle. I know there is a lot of trial and error but asking questions saves a lot of trial and error sometimes.

What is my finishing stone? Is it up to the task? Would a JNat be better? Should I get some .5 Diamond paste instead of the 1 or 1/4?

When my blades come off the 8K Shapton, they are sharp and shave ready-some can get comfortable shaves in that manner. I can't. I generally progress to a finer hone. Your finish stone should be up to the task.ATG can be challenging-depending on your beard.

I shy away from diamond paste for most razors, but will on occasion use a .5 micron paste on a balsa paddle. I have found .25 dp to create a very harsh edge.

I have long since used a microscope in my honing. Being able to observe the edge at 30X or 40X can really give you an idea what the hone is doing to the bevel that you had originally established.

Unfortunately, alot of trial and error is part of the process of truly learning the art. I have found some razors will exhibit microchipping on the finer hones-the microscope can be a big help determining at what stage you are creating a fragile edge.

My initial response was not meant to frustrate you. Once you have the bevel established the blade MUST be SHARP-further honing will smooth the edge.For me to go ATG, I need a sharp and SMOOTH edge. You really shouldn't need paste at all.You seem to be on the right track. Good Luck.