Thread: Which edge do you prefer and why?

Originally Posted by BladeRunner001

I, in fact, love this honing thing. it's very very therapeutic and relaxing. I do enjoy honing my own edges a lot. That is pure satisfaction. And experimenting...well, that's my nature. I have to take something apart to see how it works

Amen, Robert! I am also looking forward to this, but the conclusion is always ongoing. Soooo many combinations and variables! I am proud of your progress and also your inquisitive nature!
I am confident that you are like this in all that you do. It make you the man you are.

Tell me about it Oz...this HAD thing can easily get out of hand . Regarding the Coti...I still have a lot more to learn in pushing the envelope on this stone(s). So, yes...I think the edge may need a bit more refining. I have spent more time on my JNat that Coti (as a final finisher). The Coti is basically used as a medium stone on the way to the final finisher...that has worked wonders (so far) in my hands and really like the results. I guess the JNat puts the final refinement that is required, which in this case may be absent.

I have gotten a bit more smoothness from this particular Coti using other blades (like my Wacker), but nothing past 8 (8.5 max). I think you, Sham and Birnando are right...I need to spend more time with these stones and push the envelope. Experiments like this help me identify gaps in my technique as well, which is very helpful.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Got my Kuromaku also (2,5,12k) Like em a lot. Can see myself getting 1k & lower. Damn HAD

Is the smoothness what you normally get from that coti ? I know your scope is high mag. but can't help thinking that edge needs more refining. I guess like others I would have expected the smoothness to be higher

Must admit I use my cotis as a springboard to the Jnats too but you should be able to recreate that 8-8.5 more often than not. I actually thought maybe a little intermediate stone use ie 2k ,5k may have paved the way better for the coti. Even going to the 12k Shap kuro may find you redefining the role of the cotis but let's see what happens next. Enjoying your experiments

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Must admit I use my cotis as a springboard to the Jnats too but you should be able to recreate that 8-8.5 more often than not. I actually thought maybe a little intermediate stone use ie 2k ,5k may have paved the way better for the coti. Even going to the 12k Shap kuro may find you redefining the role of the cotis but let's see what happens next. Enjoying your experiments

Oz,
You must be a mind reader . While I was posting the results, I was actually thinking about the same thing. In fact, I am glad you confirmed this. I am going to start over today and take all 3 blades to the hones using Shaptons 1k, 2k, 5k and 12k. Then followed by either the Coti, Escher or JNat. I also get the feeling that jumping from the 1k to the Coti or other is too much of a jump to allow a proper refining of the edge. Thank you maestro. I will post the results of the "new and improved" 9hopefully) Coticule edge. Stay tuned guys

Just for fun shave off the 12k too

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Just for fun shave off the 12k too

You bet Oz...that is in Series 2 (#1).

In fact, I am changing the series 1 a bit. I have honed all 3 blades with Shapton 1k, 2k, 5k, and 12k. The first I do oticule progression. The second with the escher adn the third with the JNat w/ Nagura. The 3rd will be the same as Series 2 (#2). I can already see a HUGE difference in the edge off the 12k (pict wise) and all the others. The 12k is really scratchless compared to the others...I don't know what that means yet, but the shaves will tell me, I am sure.

Round 2 of Series 1, #1. This time I took the blade to the Shaptons 1k, 2k, 5k, and 12k followed by the Coticule LGB (dilucot method with moderate slurry).

The picture of the bevel/edge is below.

Shapton Pro 1k/2k/5k/12k + Coticule (polish/finish)


As for the results, they're in the SOTD for today (see link HERE). Excellent shave. The ratings are as follows:

Sharpness: 8.5 (dropped a notch from 9.0)
Smoothness: 8.5 (went up quite a bit)

I guess going from the 1k to the Coticule (last experiment) was a long stretch and as Oz and Birnando rightfully suggested (thanks guys), the edge needed a bit more delicate refining before the Coticule. This certainly worked quite well.

In a couple of days, I will post the results and pictures of the Escher edge...Tomorrow is a No Shave day (to give skin a break between shaves).

Hey Robert,

Try to get the angles and lighting the same for all of the pictures, otherwise most of the differences between the pictures become meaningless. For instance, on these last two pictures, a meaningful comparison cannot be made between scratch patterns and your shave results.

I know it's tough to get it just right with the microscope (it might even be impossible with these USB microscopes). Thanks for taking the time to do all of this.

Originally Posted by HNSB

Hey Robert,

Try to get the angles and lighting the same for all of the pictures, otherwise most of the differences between the pictures become meaningless. For instance, on these last two pictures, a meaningful comparison cannot be made between scratch patterns and your shave results.

I know it's tough to get it just right with the microscope (it might even be impossible with these USB microscopes). Thanks for taking the time to do all of this.

I tried to do exactly that, but as you said, it is impossible with these cheapie USB microscopes. Angle and lighting hasn't changed (can't vouch for angle that much because has to come on and off, but tried to keep as much the same as I could.

Round 1 of Series 1, #2. Blade #2 went through Shapton Pros 1k, 2k, 5k, and 12k followed by a Y/G Escher with thin/moderate slurry.

The picture of the bevel/edge is below.

Shapton Pro 1k/2k/5k/12k + Y/G Escher (polish/finish)



Do you guys see a very thin edge on the bevel? Not sure if this could be over-honing or wire edge??..Couldn't feel anything using a needle going towards the edge. My face certainly didn't feel anything negative. Ideas??

Results are posted in the SOTD section HERE. Fabulous shave . I would rate it as follows:

Sharpness: 9.0
Smoothness: 9.0 - 9.5

Wowwww...I was surprised to see the correlation between this edge and the shave. I would have thought it would not be so smooth, but as with any Escher edges, this was absolutely amazing. No irritation or pull. This stone rocks.

On Friday, I will post the results from the JNat (w/Nagura) edge.