Thread: Naniwa & Spike Mystery

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

I will continue to work on this razor until I understand what is happening. I will use the microscope extensively at every stage to get a better idea of what is happening.

yep, that's the way to do it, check carefully the progress at every stage and you'll figure out what is actually happening. The microscope can reveal some problems, but it may be the other tests that are more useful.
keep us updated with what you find.

but if the blade passed the shaving test, what is the problem?

TPT, at least in my experience -- I've posted about this, and others have agreed -- is not very useful after setting the bevel. On a fully refined blade, the "sticky" sensation is muted.

There is so much disagreement about the HHT, with some finding it useful, others not, that this simply may not be useful for you.

Bottom line, if it passes the shave test, who cares whether it fells hanging hairs or feels sticky on your thumb pad?

The purpose of a honed razor is to cut through (still attached) hair. If it does this efficiently along the entire bevel without tugging or skipping, it is well-honed.

Originally Posted by pcb01

but if the blade passed the shaving test, what is the problem?

This will sound like a smart ass reply. But, it is not. (I worship analogies.)

The Wright brothers noticed that their plane used more runway during hot weather. Why?

This razor "flies." But, it acts differently than any other razor, and I want to know why? I suspect if I understood why, it would give me "something" of benefit, some understanding that will stand me in good stead with other razors.

...and not trying to be a smart a**. Did the Wright Brothers ever figure out why warmer weather made a difference?

I also sometimes worry why one edge responds differently than another. And, if and when I figure it out, I often learn something valuable. But sometimes I remain puzzled, and I'm just happy it's sharp, and I can shave with it.

We remember the Wright Brothers because they made something heavier than air fly. Do we remember the guy who figured out how temperature affects the coefficient of friction between rubber and asphalt?

Who manufactured the razor ?

Originally Posted by JMS

Who manufactured the razor ?

Union Cutlery, Olean NY

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

Union Cutlery, Olean NY

So it is likely a full hollow ground?

I have just been informed by Ivan in the chat that you may be talking about the brand "Spike" and not the point which will of course make this razor a wedge.

If they're the ones I'm thinking of, they are about quarter hollow.

I was just talking with JoeD about this today, and he shared some of his knowledge on the subject with me. Roughly: Different hones work differently on different blades based in part on the hardness of the hone (abrasive and binder) and the hardness of the steel. I don't remember all the details about how, though; just a rough idea that I wouldn't want to post (don't want to risk misinformation).

Right. It is the Spike model, and not the spike tip. I guess the "S" was too subtle. (Which is my way of saying, the "failure to communicate" lies with me.)

It is almost a wedge.

Holli4Pirating. Why worry about misinformation? I never could stand guys like you that tried to be different than the rest of us!