Pyramid Honing. What Next?

[Craig101]

I have a straight that needs the edge refreshing. I am happy that the bevel is still good. It has been previously made shave ready and gave a really good shave.

I have read the wiki on the 4k/8k Pyramid Honing technique which seems fairly straight forward.

Once I have carried this out do I then move onto my chinese 12k and if so how many laps would you recommend. Also is it then onto a Chrome Oxide pasted strop before finally stropping.

The straight in question is an A.J.Jordan Old Faithful. Made in Sheffield.

Your thoughts & experience would be much appreciated.

[JimmyHAD]

If you're new to honing I would suggest shaving at the 8k level to make sure the razor is ready to move on. If you get a good smooth shave at the 8k go on to the 12k. Guys have posted that it takes up to 100 strokes on the 12k Chinese stone but each razor and stone is unique so you have to experiment.

[Craig101]

Thanks for the advice.

Have done the Pyramid and will give it the shave test tonight.
If the shave is not smooth off the 8k what would you suggest my next move should be.

[richmondesi]

Thanks for the advice.

Have done the Pyramid and will give it the shave test tonight.
If the shave is not smooth off the 8k what would you suggest my next move should be.

It depends, really. If the bevel is actually set properly, then a few more light strokes on the 8k may be enough. It may take going back to the bevel setting stage, it may take a greatly reduced version of the pyramid. The one thing I can tell you definitively is that a higher grit hone or paste is not the answer. They are best suited for use after you figure out how to get a good shave off of an 8K.