Thread: I'm a slow learner.

I am a slow learner. last night I learned a lesson that I should have learned a long time ago. When using a finishing stone, do just five laps and then put the razor down and walk away.

I used to give in to the nagging thought that if five laps is good, then more must be better. Doesn't work that way. I have found the hardest part of razor honing is knowing when to leave well enough the hell alone.

5 laps then walk away? Why not 5 laps then check your edge? I say hone till you're satisfied the edge is sharp and polished.

Originally Posted by stimpy52

5 laps then walk away? Why not 5 laps then check your edge? I say hone till you're satisfied the edge is sharp and polished.

Every blade is different and has different needs, this is the way to go when finishing.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Every blade is different and has different needs, this is the way to go when finishing.

+1 excellent point.+every finishing stone is different too.gl

I should clarify what I said above. I'm not very good at interpreting edge tests. I can hone a razor so that it will cut off arm hairs at just a touch, which would be great if this was what the razor was meant for, but it's not. The only test I can really quantify the results is the shave test. For me that is with full prep and lather. Or else I'm not really certain how the edge will perform.

In the past I have done five laps on a finishing stone, then being unable to do a full shave test, I would give it a couple more laps just for good luck. The best results I have had lately are when I do just five laps on the finishing stone and then put it down.

If the shave wasn't that great I would go back to the hones the next day.

Lynn may be able to hone many razors in one day, but I would rather take many days to hone one razor and get it right.

Don't feel bad, my weakness is NOS & restored blades. I have a tough time getting the edge "perfect" the first time, every time. I try to take the minimalist approach since I hone sans tape, so there are times I don't go long enough on the cutting stones setting the bevel. I reconfirmed this on a couple NOS razors that I am adding to my rotation, a Case & Dorko. They shave, but aren't quite right... I'll probably give them both another shave to know exactly how far back I'll have to go.

I have no problem bringing a egde back on a dulled shaver though. I just hate having to "redo" a freshly honed razor, gives me a sense of failure & who likes failure?

Originally Posted by ndw76

I used to give in to the nagging thought that if five laps is good, then more must be better. Doesn't work that way. I have found the hardest part of razor honing is knowing when to leave well enough the hell alone.

Now i agree with above words.Your final finishing stone is shapton and it will act exactly how you feel.
if you make more laps on 12k it will break down the edge and you will have harsh shave.
great learning curve. you are good to go. gl

why is that, sham? I dont have shaptons, so I dont know them. why is it that the shapton will break down the age after more than a few laps?

I try to get others to hone my razors whenever I can get away with it




Sorry, carry on..

Originally Posted by Mijbil

why is that, sham? I dont have shaptons, so I dont know them. why is it that the shapton will break down the age after more than a few laps?

sharpening stones when they made don't meant to solely for straight razors.
Razor edge get so thin and fragile if you do the right sharpening process before 16k example when you get to the 16k level your edge is shave ready.
when you start to make strokes on 16k it takes no more then 5-10 strokes(depends on quality of the blade) edge start to having chips.
all above is true if you have done right honing process on lower level grit stones.
hope this helps.