Do you pyramid the polishing steps?

I'm a honing newb, but have read the concepts of pyramid honing and can get a decent edge using a Norton 4K/8K combo stone, but not to a "shave ready" state. I'm thinking my 12k step and either CrOx or CeOx steps are insufficient or merely wrong ( of course it could even be something in my stropping too).

My question: do you honemeisters pyramid the polishing just like the honing? Should I be doing an 8k to 12k pyramid, and even a 12k with a CrOx lapping as a pyramid step? I really want to get an uber-sharp razor .

Thanks....bill

Drop everything after the N8k, and practice until you can get that to shave you smooth and comfortable with just plain leather stropping...

Then and only then will everything really come together for you...
when that works you will be very surprised at how easy everything becomes...
Our saying around here is "More practice, not more stones"

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Originally Posted by harpman

...can get a decent edge using a Norton 4K/8K combo stone, but not to a "shave ready" state....

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If it won't shave off the 8k, a finisher won't help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by harpman

I'm a honing newb, but have read the concepts of pyramid honing and can get a decent edge using a Norton 4K/8K combo stone, but not to a "shave ready" state. I'm thinking my 12k step and either CrOx or CeOx steps are insufficient or merely wrong ( of course it could even be something in my stropping too).

My question: do you honemeisters pyramid the polishing just like the honing? Should I be doing an 8k to 12k pyramid, and even a 12k with a CrOx lapping as a pyramid step? I really want to get an uber-sharp razor .

Thanks....bill

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Bill,

There are some really good threads right now on honing and the importance of setting the bevel that Glen has written. I would advice reading them.

I fall into the "once the bevel is set correctly - anyway you want to climb the rest of the ladder will still get you to the top" camp.

I was alway blaming my finishing technique when what was wrong was my bevel setting technique. Once I committed to not leaving the 1k hone until I could readily shave arm hair, my honing to shave ready problems went away.

I would look here first.

David

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Our saying around here is "More practice, not more stones"

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Except for the guys with HAD - no helping them :)

If you feel confident with your work off the 8k, then you may need to work and fine tune your stropping. Or just spend moer time stropping.

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Originally Posted by thorxes

If you feel confident with your work off the 8k, then you may need to work and fine tune your stropping. Or just spend moer time stropping.

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That is actually one I would not agree with, one of the best tests of your honing ability is to shave "Off the Stone" just 1-2 laps on leather too make sure you have nothing on the edge.. Or even just a good wipe with a towel to clean the edge...

By shaving off the stone, you eliminate any help, or hindrance, from your stropping technique.... you would be very surprised at just how good an edge comes off a Norton 8k when it is worked right...