What exactly is overhoned?

I've read several of the help files and have been hanging around the forums for a while, but, I still don't precisely understand what "overhoned" is. Most of what I've read describes how to test for it, but, nothing really described precisely what's happening to the steel at the edge of the blade.The only info I've gleened so far about it, is that it might have something to do with a wire edge.
So, Can someone please explain (sparing as few details as possible) what transformations the steel undergoes upon overhoning?

The burr (wire) is formed on the edge, meaning very small section of the edge becames too thin and weak (think alu foil) and breaks when put to a stress (shaving). This is leaving dull edge, and red face.

Nenad

Nenad is right. From my understanding, the blade edge becomes so thin from honing, that it actually rolls over itself forming a small cylinder or "wire" on the edge. The edge will skip across your thumbnail where it's overhoned. A few strokes on the hone in the opposite direction will cure that.

Ah, I see. Was more of less what I though is happening. Thanks for the info guys.

Thanks for the info on how to correct it too. I've seen it in plenty of places, randy's backhoning technique seems to be popular :) Anyway, I'm just curious why backhoning is better to cure an overhoned/wire edged razor as opposed to normal honing technique? What precisely does it do differently to the steel? and, why should you not normal hone an overhoned edge?

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Originally Posted by ToxIk

...Anyway, I'm just curious why backhoning is better to cure an overhoned/wire edged razor as opposed to normal honing technique?

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In my experience it isn't better, but not worse either. If a razor truly has a wire or curl at the edge then back honing will break it off. Going to a coarser grit should do the same thing.

X

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Originally Posted by xman

In my experience it isn't better, but not worse either. If a razor truly has a wire or curl at the edge then back honing will break it off. Going to a coarser grit should do the same thing.

X

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Agreed ....sometimes.. Sometimes going to a finer grit with normal honing strokes will remove the wire edge. Sometimes backhoning for 5 and then normal honing for 5 does the trick. Repeat if necessary. Sometimes going to a coarser grit with a normal honing stroke will work. The last resort is to run the blade thru some balsa wood or a wooden matchstick for a few strokes, that does the job. Use either a microscope or the thumbnail test to see when your done. Remember that after the wire edge is removed your almost done honing so be very conservative in the honing that follows and test frequently.

Hope this helps,:)

One way to tell a razor is over honed is when the razor glides over the beard but does not remove hair. I can usually see over honing as well with the naked eye. When I hold the razor edge to the light, I can see a line on the edge either like __________ or _ _ _ _ _ _. I have never seen a wire edge that cannot be removed by a simple 3-3, 1-3, 1-3 on the Norton 4K/8K Combo or a quick 5-10 circles on the Norton 4K side followed by a 1-3, 1-3. I am still not a fan of thumbnail or hair cutting testing as it is never as consistent as the shave. The main problem new folks have is that they simply hone too much. I am seeing people spend hours a day on the same razor. Less strokes are always better unless repairing a poor ebay buy. Experimenting is also key as every razor has it's own personality. I find it best to try something on the hone, strop and test and if not there, try again tomorrow. Have fun. Lynn

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Originally Posted by adjustme69

I find it best to try something on the hone, strop and test and if not there, try again tomorrow. Have fun. Lynn

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It's so hard to be that patient sometimes. I want results and I want them NOW. But what can you do? Sometimes that metal just needs to rest.

X