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