Thread: Simple Advice for Honers in Woodworking

Originally Posted by kevint

I have, believe it or not, always tried to cultivate an open mind; yet still cannot reach the point of understanding that sharp and smooth is anything more, and nothing less that those two planes intersecting.

I agree that an edge is just two planes intersecting but I have found, very recently, that I could control the polish of the bevel and the edge independently of each other. That realization has opened up a whole way of looking at the edge of a straight razor for me. I have learned from Michael's astute observations in the past and our discoveries have been very parallel, but I am sure slightly different.

Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by riooso

I agree that an edge is just two planes intersecting but I have found, very recently, that I could control the polish of the bevel and the edge independently of each other. That realization has opened up a whole way of looking at the edge of a straight razor for me.

Oh my, and the heavens opened and the angels began to sing the sun shown brightly and all was good in the world...

That is the real step in honing razors,,, IMHO Sharp is easy, Smooth yeah that takes a bit of talent....

I am not in the least being sarcastic here either, once this sinks in, your honing will improve immensely, Sharp in one thing, Smooth is another...They are seperate, but can linked together in the honing process...

Originally Posted by riooso

I agree that an edge is just two planes intersecting but I have found, very recently, that I could control the polish of the bevel and the edge independently of each other. That realization has opened up a whole way of looking at the edge of a straight razor for me. I have learned from Michael's astute observations in the past and our discoveries have been very parallel, but I am sure slightly different.

Take Care,
Richard

you will have to take me on this ride. I have no idea what you mean. the edge is the bevel as far as im concerned so please advise

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Oh my, and the heavens opened and the angels began to sing the sun shown brightly and all was good in the world...

That is the real step in honing razors,,, IMHO Sharp is easy, Smooth yeah that takes a bit of talent....

I am not in the least being sarcastic here either, once this sinks in, your honing will improve immensely, Sharp in one thing, Smooth is another...They are seperate, but can linked together in the honing process...

Hi Glen I have read a lot of posts with help for getting them sharp but I missed all the advice on how to get them smooth. Of course I have many read complaints of harshness following some hones but the only cure I can recall is Crox or some other abrasive strop.

I do realize you are not frequenting the wood blogs and knife forums telling them how wrong their methods are or how they can improve. The part I have disagreed with is your advise to new shave sharpener to forget everything he knows about X sharpening. Maybe for some knifers and woodworkers, razors present for the first time; a real need to really get it right, 20 years sharpening hunting knife ready only at deer season, or whatever is not 20 years of serious, needful pursuit. The question should be what stones do you have now and have many have you used up in 20 years.

Or it could be that I don't understand how it is there are so many who do not realize it will take some genuine alert awareness and some time to feel the way through.

I trust no one is taking offense; this is lighthearted conversation to me so