Thread: Watching the water bead

Hi,

I've been honing for about 2 years now and I think I'm finally reaching minimum competency.

This past weekend I was honing 6 razors on a Norton 4K/8K (using Lynn's pyramid) and finishing on a Chinese 12K. I was paying particular attention to how the water on the stone "rode" the blade edge as I did X strokes. My theory was that If I could keep the size and flow of the water bead constant throughout the stroke that would mean that the pressure and contact with the stone was constant too. When I got done to my surprise all 6 were popping hanging hairs nicely without stropping. I've only shaved with one and it was great. I expect the others will be good too.

I'm thrilled to say that this was by far my best honing session to date!!!!

Do any of you more experienced guys watch the water bead? Am I right in thinking that if the bead is constant the pressure is too?

Doug

I look at the wave ahead of the blade, which I guess is the same. I've not made the connection between it's consistency & pressure. I just aim to push all the water ahead of it, like a squeegee.
I think a lot of the guys use the water as an indicator.
Glad it's helped you improve. These moments make the frustrations worthwhile!

I watch the water ahead and the way it eventually runs up the belly of the blade. If it ain't running up onto the blade I keep on until it is.

I use the water differently at different stages. When the water runs up onto the razor, I know the bevel is set (though if there is already water on the razor, that breaks the surface tension and that can cause a false positive), and after that I just look for even-ness.

I prefer not to put soap in my water, because a higher surface tension requires a better edge to get water onto the blade, so for me, it seems to be a better test.

Also, congrats on your success!

Will tape affect the wave of water? Sticky minds want to know.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Will tape affect the wave of water? Sticky minds want to know.

I've never noticed a difference. I think the water is affected by the edge, not the spire.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Will tape affect the wave of water? Sticky minds want to know.

Not IME. The edge is what matters relative to the wave. A correct honing stroke with or without tape being a given.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Will tape affect the wave of water? Sticky minds want to know.

it depends whether you're taping the spine or taping the edge

...or both

Also water coming out behind the razor is an indicator something is either amiss with the blade or your technique.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I watch the water ahead and the way it eventually runs up the belly of the blade. If it ain't running up onto the blade I keep on until it is.

That's interesting.... I'm learning to use my Charnley, and find that with my Coti, the water slides up and onto my blade, but when I move to the Charnley, the water is simply pushed down the hone. I don't use tape at all.

What gives?