Thread: Honing a wedge

How do you hone a true wedge razor? Doesn't it sit flat on the hone?

Robert

I suppose it would be possible to hone a true wedge as is, but I would think some tape would be very helpful. Without tape, you'd have a heck of a lot of metal to remove and some serious suction between the blade and hone. I don't know how many layers of tape would be best, but I would probably start with at least 2 to see what that did.

Robert, do the marker test first. IOW, take the marker and apply it to the bevel. Do a few strokes and see if your normal stroke removes marker all along the bevel. If not you will have to modify your stroke to have the bevel come in contact with the hone while the portion of the spine that is parallel with the bevel contact is also in contact with the hone.

The rolling x is one way to do that. Some can be done with a heel leading 45 degree angle as Lynn frequently suggests for smiling blades and wedges. Some guys use up to 3 layers of tape with a wedge, especially if it is warped or has a lot of hone wear. I would certainly use at least one layer. Go to the honing section of the SRP Wiki and you'll find more info if you look around for it.

Just got thru honing a wedge that I brought back to life with two layers of 3m tape. Shaved with it and will take it back to the stones like I would a hollow to get it just right. I used the rolling x like Jimmy was talking about. This SR hadn't seen a stone or strop in many years, but will be a nice shaver when I touch it up. Use the sharpie & tape...don't ask...