Thread: Marker for checking bevel.

I was wondering if a washable marker would work for this purpose or if it has to be permanent. I look forward to your help and thank you in advance.

Washables are normally water soluble ink at least for awhile so this would not be the best option on a "WATER"stone...
Permanent marker will come off with Alcohol so even if there is some left on the blade it is No Problem...

Wasn't really thinking about that part of it. Makes sense though. Is there anything besides a permanent marker that will be an adequate substitution as I don't have access to a permanent marker right now? I do have a microscope. Will that help? If so, exactly what do I look for?

even and equal scratch marks and an even shine..

The washable will still work, just let it dry a few minutes, so it all doesn't just wash off instantaneously, and don't wet the stone as much, you just need to see where it wears away...

Originally Posted by bulldog

I was wondering if a washable marker would work for this purpose or if it has to be permanent. I look forward to your help and thank you in advance.

Washes in water -- no.
We hone with water so the marker must be water proof.

A machinist commonly uses a thin toolmakers ink to make it
easy to see how even the cut is progressing. This is the
same idea.

I use a laundry pen, should be available in your local grocery store next to the washing supplies. Microscopes are handy when analyzing the results, what you're looking for are dark areas on the bevel, which means the hone isn't touching there yet. You want the marker to come off all the way to the edge before moving to the polishing hones.

Just use a Sharpie permanent marker. A little rubbing alcohol will take off everything the hones don't.

Don't worry, it won't stain your razor

*edit* just read your reply, you can buy a Sharpie for like $1 anywhere. Invest in it

Yes a Sharpie. I like colored markers Red & Blue. Makes it very easy to see whats going on. Black seems to get lost when looking at the edge with the naked eye.

Marty

I don't use markers because, as Glen said, you can see from the scratches where you are getting. A marker just makes it a bit easier to see, especially if you're not really sure what you are looking for. I used to use a sharpie, and used lighter fluid to get the rest off.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I don't use markers because, as Glen said, you can see from the scratches where you are getting. A marker just makes it a bit easier to see, especially if you're not really sure what you are looking for.

New guys need all the help they can get, as do some of us old guys with bad eyes.