Thread: Will pyramid on 4k/8k be enough for this?

Gents,

I received a "project razor" in the mail. It's in great overall condition, and I believe it did nicely in the thumbnail test, even though I realize it's not shave-ready until it's shave-ready. Anyway, while doing this test, I felt two extremely small nicks in the edge of the blade. One is about 1/4" away from the heel; the other about 3/4" away from the heel. The blade and tang are cosmestically excellent all told (no rust or pitting), and the scales are fine as well.

I realize that I will essentially need to reshape the edge a bit on this sweet baby to get rid of the nicks. Will a Norton 4k/8k, followed by stropping, be enough to make it ready for shaving? Or must I finish the job on something like this? I read the information in the archives about the pyramid, and I understand the method. Should I attempt this, and if so, would the conservative version be best?

The blade did cut into the fingernail and pull through smoothly (most of the way, obviously).

Ben, it all depends in what condition of use was the razor. If you got it used from one of our members, then the edge metal is good, and a 5-6 strokes on the 8000 should refresh the edge. If it is e-boy find, and appears in good condition, but was not used for a long time, do a pyramid. I personally wouldn't worry about nicks, but other guys here might think diferent. Using the Norton stone exclusively works nice for me. I simply strop after Norton 8000, than shave. Remember, the thumbnail test is ment to check the progress on the blade on lower grits, like 4000. Don't overdoit, and don't do after 8000. And certanly not after stroping, it will knock off the edge...

have fun,
Nenad

Thank you for the advice, Nenad. Looks like I'll be ordering a Norton 4k/8k very soon!

You should also order a belgum yellow codicule stone to finish the hone

I might add that to my wish list as well.

Use the Norton 4000 or similar stone to remove the nicks. Use the thumbnail test to check you progress. When the nicks are gone then be aware that you are almost done and close to being overhoned. When I am removing nicks I finsh with 5-10 back honing strokes followed by 5 normal honing strokes as insurance against a wire edge, this is done on the 4000 grit.
Then use a very conservative pyramid of 3/5, 1/5, 1/5, 1/5
and test using either the HHT, the Thumb test ( not thumbnail test) or the paper towel test. Repeat the pyramid and testiing until satisfied.

Hope this helps,

Could someone explain what a pyramid is?

I hate to disagree but ...I never back hone a razor...I believe it undoes the honing you have just done....nicks are unaceptable even if they are so small as to not affect the shave...the nick is in my head...I know its there ...it bothers me ...like shaving with a less than sharp blade... a great and quick way to get rid of nicks large or small...on 4000 norton with blade facing down rub stone counter clock wise in circular motion like small coin with same pressure as used when using x stroke...do this twenty circular strokes...roll blade over an repeat only clockwise motion...inspect the blade if nicks are still there repeat until nicks are gone...once nicks are gone do the pyramid 5/5 3/5 1/5 1/5 followed by twenty laps on belgium coticule followed by 60 laps on leather strops...forget the tests as this blade is ready to shave with...goodluck

Thanks for the advice, gentlemen.

Hi rgsccr. Click here to experience the wonders that are the pyramid.

It also will depend on how deep the nicks are. usually as long as they are at the ends of the blade and aren't too deep its ok though others are really bothered by any nicks.

If they are small the 4K can get them out though you may need to do some circular honing or use more pressure.

If your the type that nicks don't bother I would just get it shave ready and see how it does. You can always revisit the nicks issue later or do more honing if required.