Thread: Pyramid Question

Randy,

Can I assume at some point you maintain your razors with only high grit passes?

Jbasl,

The real answer to the pyramid question is that you go from coarse grit to fine grit, then back to coarse, then fine again in order to reduce the potential for a wire edge that will break off very easily. Going back to the coarser grit removes the wire edge, but you only make a very few passes so that you don't negate the polishing you're doing with the finer grit hone.

Each razor is it's own unique case, and each will require it's own variation of the pyramid. That said, you don't have to use the pyramid. You can create your own method, or employ one that you already have learned.

The pyramid is one method that works quite well, once you learn to apply the technique, and learn what each of your razors needs.

Now, is that just as clear as mud, or what??

Hey guys,

Thanks for the responses. Given the bit about the wirey edges I get why you go back and forth

Randy, now it makes much more sense. I just heard everyone talking about the pyramid and didn't understand how it was supposed to work. I'll give you a ring (hopefully) by the end of the week. Its my last week of work before moving to Madison and I have a lot of finishing up to do.

One other question guys. If you hone in an x-pattern should you also be stropping in one? Or once you get done honing and let the blade sit for a day can you then strop straight up and down (provided your strop is wide enough)?

Originally Posted by jbasl

... If you hone in an x-pattern should you also be stropping in one? Or once you get done honing and let the blade sit for a day can you then strop straight up and down (provided your strop is wide enough)?

You can go straight up and down the strop, but an X is generally prefered, just as it is on the hone, even though some guys have success going straight down their hones too.

X

I made the last post in a bit of a hurry so now I will try to clarify things a bit.

1. Lynn Abrams is the creator of the Pyramid method of honing. I simply put that document together and with the help of another member here got it into its format and uploaded to the files section.

2. The Pyramid method is simply a structured approach to honing a straight razor. One of the most common errors is to overhone a razor. This method attempts to minimize overhoning. A structured approach is far better than the willy-nilly approach that a lot of us started with. Please note that there are numerous methods to honing a straight razor.

3. The document needs to be revised to reflect the different starting conditions that users experience. Refreshing a razor that was shaving is very different from dealing with a vintage Ebay or antique store razor or a new razor. I hope that Lynns DVD covers those areas.

4.Stropping...either method will work. What stropping accomplishes is cleaning of the razors edge, bringing the edge into alignment and burnishing the tops of the striations
(scratch pattern). The silica that is in the leather from the tanning process ( thanks Kit!) acts as a mild abrasive.
All of the above results in a sharp, smooth shave.

Yup, thats what I do.

Currently using an Escher, 0.5 and 0.25 pastes.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Randy,

Can I assume at some point you maintain your razors with only high grit passes?

Thanks for the further help and clarification. I'm hoping to test shave the razor we sharpened today and I'll let you know how much of my face is missing after.

Cheers,

John

Originally Posted by xman

You can go straight up and down the strop, but an X is generally prefered, just as it is on the hone, even though some guys have success going straight down their hones too.

X

I haven't tried straight down the hone but I have a 3" wide strop and I go straight down and then straight up. No problems and it works for me, as I am not a morning person and I know I would have screwed the pooch trying to do an X pattern early in the AM.

Originally Posted by RichZ

I haven't tried straight down the hone but I have a 3" wide strop and I go straight down and then straight up. No problems and it works for me, as I am not a morning person and I know I would have screwed the pooch trying to do an X pattern early in the AM.

Precisely the same over here. Especially on the morning part

Originally Posted by jbasl

what is the point of going from the 4k to the 8k then right back to the 4k? doesn't that wash away anything done on the 8k. Wouldn't it be better if you had some estimate of the dullness of your razor to hit the 4k for awhile then test, followed by the 8k for finishing?

I just want to be clear on the logic.

Once you apply an 4k hone to a razor, you're back to the 4K step and work done by the 8K has been wasted. You are correct in that assumption. I think the pyramid method is simply a way to create a ritual that will reduce the likelihood of someone who knows nothing whatsoever about a straight razor and straight razor honing from wearing the thing to a nub after days of enthusiastic honing.

The most efficient way to hone a razor is to move up in grits once you've accomplished everything the current grit level can accomplish. That takes some experience. New shavers want a "method". This works as well as anything for that, even though it could just as easily be something like 40 passes on the 4K, 60 passes on the 8K, examine and test.... start over if necessary.