Thread: rolling x stroke on this one?

Restoring this one that I got off ebay. This is their pic, before I polished it. I'll need to start honing it next and I'm a newbie honer (is that a word?). Would you say this has enough of a smile that I need to use a rolling x stroke? Would this one be a challenge for a new hone....guy?

Thanks

Goog

Looks like it might. Take the magic marker and blacken the cutting edge and see if your x stroke removes it from heel to point. If not figure a stroke that will. Sometimes a 45 degree heel leading stroke works, sometimes the rolling x. Good learning experience.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Looks like it might. Take the magic marker and blacken the cutting edge and see if your x stroke removes it from heel to point. If not figure a stroke that will. Sometimes a 45 degree heel leading stroke works, sometimes the rolling x. Good learning experience.

+1.

I would use the magic marker test during the bevel setting, then use that pattern through the whole process. It might not be a perfect "roll" in the end. You just have to find the right motion that covers the whole edge.

Jimmy also hinted at leading with the heel, which is another option I use sometimes. I might lead with the heel, then lead with the toe, then do a flat stroke. Count your strokes carefully and really pay attention to the way the water moves. At least that's what I do.

Another +1 for Jimmy's advice! Magic marker, and then do a rolling X or heel leading stroke to ensure you make good contact with the whole bevel.

Have a look at this Wiki article as well, its got some great pointers..!

Strokes for honing a razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck and keep us posted!

that will need a rolling x i'd be surprised if it did'nt

Yes, rolling X all the way. Magic marker will help you ensure you are getting a good roll.

I do think that will be a challenge for a new guy. I would honestly suggest setting it aside for now and starting with a full hollow with a straight edge.

Why is the rolling X IS the answer to this blade?
Can any of you explain your position on this?
i would say straight x will do better work or half moon motion.
In fact if this blade has even back hone wear(a little more toward to tip i can see that) by doing rolling x you will make more mistakes then not doing rolling x?

Please let your opinion go.
thank you

Well, I think it would need a rolling X because I don't know any other way to get the whole edge to contact the hone. Perhaps there are other ways, as I'm not familiar with the "half moon," but the rolling X is what I would do.

That is one of those you have to have in hand and put the marker on and try it. Speculation looking at photos might be close but it ain't horseshoes or hand grenades so no point getting into debate over it IMHO.

I know Lynn favors the 45 degree heel leading stroke on wedges and smiling blades. IME that or the rolling x seems to work. Taking another look at the blade the dark spots towards the point don't look good. I wonder if those are chips or corrosion. Hope if it is the latter that there isn't deep pitting in there.

yeah, it's hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like pitting to me... I'd suspect a bit of swiss cheese steel on the edge. you may need to hone a good bit off of that blade