Thread: Honing at the 1k level

The roll isn't really easy to see when it's done in person, because it's very small. There is an exaggerated animation of it here: Strokes for honing a razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

One can do a shave test dry, but I wouldn't recommend it to a new guy. IMO, it only works if you are very confident in your shave technique. Also, like any other test, it needs to be recalibrated for the individual. For me, a dry shave can be comfortable, but it's never the same as with lather.

Answering questions is what we're all here for (aside from when we ask questions or our own :-) ), so ask away.

Well then I'll just stick with using Olive Oil for these quick honing tests off the 8k and a quick strop. That should provide enough lube.

Also, one more; and it's more theoretical than anything.

Based on the picture of how the bevel is formed and how I'm currently honing. If I changed nothing and kept honing, would my blade end up having a "Frown" as I've heard mentioned in various other threads?

Also I checked out that link before and didn't really see the difference between the rolling X and a Regular X. But after your comment of "Lifting the Scales" I think I understand now, and why it is very subtle.

I assume getting the "roll" consistant from stroke to stroke and hone to hone just takes practice?

Oild may change things too. IIRC, it coats the hairs and makes them more difficult to cut. I believe this is why lather is made from soap, which removes the oil, and it is commonly recommended to wash your face before shaving. As for preshave oils - that has always been a mystery to me. The long and the short is, any change from your normal routine could resutlt in a change in how the razor shaves and how the shave feels; this is not inherently bad, but if it happens during a test you need to "adjust" for it (mentally) as you assess your edge. Or maybe I'm just overly worried about variables...

If you keep honing as you are - hard to say, because there is no way to know why you are getting the middle sharp but not the ends. If it's just because the razor needs more work on the ends or because there is a smile there or something like that, then no, you won't get a frown. But if the edge is straight and you are getting those results due to non-flat hone or too much pressure or some other technique issue, then yes, you could end up with a frown.

In the link, it's not really easy to tell, but when parts of the razor change in size (watch the toe and heal), it indicates a change in "distance" to the "camera." So when the toe gets large, it's lifted; when it shirinks, it's down. Maybe that will help.

here is a video series of a rolling x stroke done by Ken RupYouTube - Kenrup Resto Part 1