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

I don't want to hijack this thread but I'm also having a little difficulty identifying when a bevel is set (mostly because I don't have arm hair so I can't just pop a couple of them to see if a bevel is ready).

So if I gather correctly I'd a resort passes the thumbnail test it has a bevel set?

Originally Posted by SuperSpeedRacer

I don't want to hijack this thread but I'm also having a little difficulty identifying when a bevel is set (mostly because I don't have arm hair so I can't just pop a couple of them to see if a bevel is ready).

So if I gather correctly I'd a resort passes the thumbnail test it has a bevel set?

You can buy a loupe on Amazon with LED lights (40x) to look at the bevel and see if it's set:

Amazon.com: 40 X 25mm Glass Lens Jeweler Loupe Magnifier With LED: Office Products

I usually test by seeing how well the razor shaves arm hair (it should shave arm hair effortlessly) and inspect the length of the bevel on both sides with the loupe before going to higher grits.

-john

Originally Posted by SuperSpeedRacer

I don't want to hijack this thread but I'm also having a little difficulty identifying when a bevel is set (mostly because I don't have arm hair so I can't just pop a couple of them to see if a bevel is ready).

So if I gather correctly I'd a resort passes the thumbnail test it has a bevel set?

There are basically 3 tests for a solid bevel set

TNT
TPT
AHT

Try and learn and use them all, but you have to have one that never fails you...

There is a thread about a 1k shave test but I don't advise that for newbs it is more of a learning experience for people after they have managed a few successful honings

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-1k-shave.html

But as you can see some of the guys used it to good advantage..


A new DE blade can teach you what to feel for on many of these tests

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There are basically 3 tests for a solid bevel set

TNT
TPT
AHT

Try and learn and use them all, but you have to have one that never fails you...

There is a thread about a 1k shave test but I don't advise that for newbs it is more of a learning experience for people after they have managed a few successful honings

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-1k-shave.html

But as you can see some of the guys used it to good advantage..


A new DE blade can teach you what to feel for on many of these tests

Thanks for the reply. I've been using DE blades as a reference for the TPT. I still haven't been able to get an edge that sharp yet when bevel setting. I get close but I seem to then make an error and degrade the edge. I think I need to get more consistent with the pressure I'm using. I find I have a hard time keeping the razor flat unless I use both hands. And, I think I must start pressing down as I go.

P.S. I love your videos on YouTube. I've been using them to guide my honing strategy. It really helps that you state what you're looking for in the way the razor feels on the stone.