Originally Posted by
Alembic
I posted this in my "Disappearing Edge" thread, but it belongs here.
This progression is what I learned from Lynn. I have not had enough experience with problem razors to have deviations to this. I have been using in and getting great results - except when "I" am the problem (not getting the edge suitable to move to the next step).
Most of the time, I skip step 4 and move on to stropping.
Bevel Setting
Stone: 1,000 grit or similar
Sequence: 40 Heavy Pressure Circles – each side
10 Heavy Pressure X Strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until Pocket Knife Sharp
Look for Thin, Even, Straight line along Edge – this is the bevel
Honing
Step: 1
Stone: 5,000 grit or similar
Sequence: 40 Heavy Pressure Circles – each side
40 Light Pressure Circles – each side
5 -10 Light Pressure X Strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until Cuts Arm Hair Readily
Do Thumb Pad Test to Check Edge
Step: 2
Stone: 8,000 grit or similar
Sequence: 5 -10 Light Pressure X Strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until edge passes Thumb Pad Test
Step: 3
Stone: 12,000 grit or similar
Sequence: 5 -10 Light Pressure X Strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until edge passes Thumb Pad Test
Step: 4
Stone: Hard Felt with .5 micron Diamond Spray
Or Balsa Strop with .5 micron Cro-Ox
Or Fabric Strop with .5 micron Cro-Ox
Sequence: 10 Light Pressure X Strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until edge passes Thumb Pad Test
Stropping
Strop: Your Choice
Sequence: 60-80 strokes
Test: Repeat Sequence until edge passes Thumb Pad Test
These are additional notes from my session with Lynn.
Honing Notes:
1. Heavy Pressure Circles and Heavy Pressure X Strokes means just that – the table shakes when Lynn does them.
2. Light Pressure X Strokes use just the weight of the blade and enough pressure to keep the blade flat.
3. During the Circle Strokes, keep the blade moving up and down the length of the stone
4. Keep the length of the stone perpendicular to your body.
5. Memorize what the Thumb Pad Test feels like for a Pocket Knife Sharp blade and following each successive sequence.
6. Lift your honing hand elbow to help keep the blade flat on the stone
7. Listen for unevenness in your strokes as the blade travels the stone
8. Watch the water pool carefully as the blade makes strokes on the stone. The pool should be even across the length of the blade and travel with the blade. Then you know you have even pressure and the blade is perfectly flat on the stone.
9. Lynn only uses tape on Damascus and Gold washed spines.