Thread: over honing

Originally Posted by xman

Try easing off on the pressure as you get near the end of pyramid honing (you are using the pyramid right?) and try for a gentle rolling of the main point of contact from heel to toe. More pressure will NOT create the shaving edge as likely as less pressure will.

X

Briandonofrio sharp te razor not in a X.....how do you using the pyramid please??? Is the video of Briandonofrio not good??

The video is fine but it fails to teach you whats really happening. You don't have to use the X pattern but it helps. Initially you should use an angle or an X. I prefer to angle intially so the entire bevel gets sharp. Later, with an extra light touch the x pattern is the best method, especially with a smaller hone. Pyramiding is the principle of using the 4,000 grit (or any other low number) in conjuntion with the 8,000 grit in an alternating pattern usually like 1 pass on the 4,000 followed by 3 on the 8,000 then returning to the 4,000. This allows the blade to get sharp faster than wasting time polishing an edge with the 8,000 which is not capable of shaving sharpness anyway. Typically you would test shave often with this process because you'll get success quickly and you don't want to overhone. Pryamiding is a simple process and yet brilliant. Don't forget to test shave often.

I suggest you use a light touch and the x pattern and roll the blade over on its spine when honing. First passes on 4k and then 8k, alternating until you have a sharp blade. Keep the blade flat, keep the angle the same for each side, use equal pressure on each side, and ensure the blade travels the same distance on each side for each grit. Make sure the blade "lands" on the hone gently when you flip it on its back.

Also, you need to do some more reading and research. Look at the 1961 Barbers manual and it explains honing in a very easy to understand text. Also read through the posts more.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

The video is fine but it fails to teach you whats really happening. You don't have to use the X pattern but it helps. Initially you should use an angle or an X. I prefer to angle intially so the entire bevel gets sharp. Later, with an extra light touch the x pattern is the best method, especially with a smaller hone. Pyramiding is the principle of using the 4,000 grit (or any other low number) in conjuntion with the 8,000 grit in an alternating pattern usually like 1 pass on the 4,000 followed by 3 on the 8,000 then returning to the 4,000. This allows the blade to get sharp faster than wasting time polishing an edge with the 8,000 which is not capable of shaving sharpness anyway. Typically you would test shave often with this process because you'll get success quickly and you don't want to overhone. Pryamiding is a simple process and yet brilliant. Don't forget to test shave often.

I suggest you use a light touch and the x pattern and roll the blade over on its spine when honing. First passes on 4k and then 8k, alternating until you have a sharp blade. Keep the blade flat, keep the angle the same for each side, use equal pressure on each side, and ensure the blade travels the same distance on each side for each grit. Make sure the blade "lands" on the hone gently when you flip it on its back.

Also, you need to do some more reading and research. Look at the 1961 Barbers manual and it explains honing in a very easy to understand text. Also read through the posts more.

Where can i find the "barbers manuel" please?

Take a look in the Files section of this site. It's titled something like "1961 Barbering Text - Honing.pdf". You might also want to look at http://www.classicshaving.com, especially under the "How To & Why" section... lots of good information there.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...d,19/Itemid,3/

Originally Posted by jan

Briandonofrio sharp te razor not in a X.....how do you using the pyramid please??? Is the video of Briandonofrio not good??

If you have the 3" wide Norton hone you do not "have to" use an X pattern.
On razors with a straight edge I just use a straight across motion. With razors that have a "belly" or a curved, worn toe then I use the X pattern on the Norton.

The X pattern is mandatory if you use a smaller hone like a classic barbers hone with some exceptions.

Hope this helps,

One more time. If you have a question about honing your razor, please, tell us something about you razor.

1. New, never used
2. Ebay special or antique store find
3. Previously shaving sharp but needs some work now.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

One more time. If you have a question about honing your razor, please, tell us something about you razor.

1. New, never used
2. Ebay special or antique store find
3. Previously shaving sharp but needs some work now.

That is useful information. I recently bought a razor that was "shave-ready", well, not quite...but close! I think the test shave before mailing may have dulled it just a bit. A couple of months ago, I would have tried a pyramid on the Norton 4/8K. Instead, 35 passes on a pasted strop, then to linen, then to leather, and it was shaving nicely!

This information is like anything else...you don't know where you're going if you don't know where you are!

RT