Thread: My Honing

Nev, the pyramid is pure brilliance in my opinion. Its the most logical process for sharpening a razor with the least effort. If used it would fit INTO the last step of this process. I use it a little less now than I did early on, but for basic honing it is an important tool to understand its purpose. I use it in its simpilist form. To work an edge on a high grit hone, then, failing to see an immediate response, move back to the 4k and retry, repeat! and repeat! With experience I think I'm starting to accomplish the correct actions more without using the pyramid, but it is still a tool I'll keep in the toolkit.

I avoided the references to exact grit for two reasons. One, I wanted anyone to be able to use the concepts, and two, I use barber hones for some of the last step. I typically use 4k, 8-9K and 10-12K. Those are estimates though for the barber hones I use. Those are the Swaty and Carborundum. One problem with barber hones is they don't come with well defined grits, you have to feel them with your finger and "estimate". I just use them in ascending smoothness. I have found a few hones out there that I'm certain the general "grit" is inaccurate on, and I find that results are more important than "fact". The process would work with 4K and 8K very well. The key is understanding the overall big picture, which is what my post was trying to describe.

I appreciate everyones praise for the post but keep in mind that I learned all this stuff because I read the posts here from the true masters of honing, like Lynn and Randy and many others. I'm mearly passing on my current understanding, and/or what is actually working for me. Sortof a more detailed view of "you hone with light pressure", response. I'm sure the real honemiesters on here are just chuckling at how far I go to make the process easy for me to accomplish. :-)