Thread: Can you set a bevel with a Norton 4K?

In the video when you say that the slurry is turning grey, im assuming this is the particles of the blade that have been 'honed off' so to speak. Is it ok to carry on with this metal type slurry or to wash the stone regularly?

Thanks,

Rich

I just dilute it out as I hone, then finally rinse it off..

In general though, you can work a slurry until it gets Black or darn close to it at that point in time at least IMHO it needs changing out... Others might have different opinions on how far to take it...

I think setting the bevel on a Norton 4K really amounts to what you are asking. The amount of strokes involved. So part of this really depends on the technique you are using. The 4K can still be pretty abrasive depending on the number of strokes involved and pressure you are using. A couple hundred strokes with medium pressure would not be out of the question when setting a bevel on one. I generally look for the hair on the forearm to be shaved effortlessly coming off the 4K. Once close, you can work in series of 5-10 X strokes until your there. At that point, 15 on a pyramid would probably be a little too much. I would recommend starting with 5 which is 5 on the 4K and 8K, followed by 3 on each followed by 1-3 and then 1-5. It may take a couple of 1-3 and 1-5's to be shave ready off the 8K. I would normally go to a finishing stone for 10 strokes followed by 10 strokes on .5 diamond spray on felt, but the razor can be made shave ready off the 8K followed by a stropping.

The other technique on the 4K/8K is to do 40 circles with firm pressure followed by 40 circles light pressure and then 5-10 X strokes on the 4K with minimal pressure and then 5-10 X strokes on the 8K with minimal pressure. If you're not right on at this point, 3-5 very light strokes on the 8K can be used to dial the razor in. On the front end, you can do another set of firm circles and light circles too for the bevel setting if needed. The key here is what shape the razor is in. If you have an ebay special, it could take a while longer and a lot more strokes or circles without having a 1K. If your razor is in decent condition, you should be OK.

The swarf or black stuff on the hones is normal. I usually do around a dozen razors before cleaning/lapping my Norton.

Have fun,

Lynn

Thats brilliant Chaps, thank you very much! Will lap my stone tomorrow and I am sure you will hear the results sooner or later!

Thank you very much for your expertise

Richard

Just another quick question do you need to lap the 8k side of a norton aswell as the 4k?

Regards,

Richard

Richard,

Yup - flatten/lap both sides

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I have lapped both sides of the stone and really was amazed at how different the two sides feel after lapping!

I followed advice on this thread and haven't managed to get the razor to pop hairs off my arm (as in the video at this stage, which worried me a bit) I can only speculate as to why, however i think it might have been not using enough pressure when setting the bevel.

I will try a shave off it tomorrow (after stropping) and then if its not satisfactory i might go back to the drawing board and try a larger amount of circles of the 4k with more pressure to really set the bevel.

I spent ages trying to get the hair to pop off my forearm but to no avail, so it must be me getting it wrong on the 4k side!!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Richard

Try the Thumbnail Test too...

That is another test for a bevel set,,, you drag the edge across the top of your wet thumbnail using only the weight of the blade...

A sharp blade will dig in lightly and grab the nail, a dull blade will slide easily, and a rolled edge with grab but feel rough,,

If the bevel is not sharp from heel to toe, the razor will not shave smoothly...

What razor are you sharpening and what condition is it in???? all these instructions need variation depending on that too...