Thread: Pyramid Question

Guys,

I was looking at the pyramid guide and I don't quite no how to follow it. If it says for set 1 4k: 1 8k: 5. What does that mean? It can't mean 1 stroke then 5 strokes can it? When Randy was giving me a tutorial on skype a single stroke was never part of the routine.

Thanks,

John

That's one complete stroke up one side then the other. Same with the 5. They are talking about round trips.

That just doesn't sound right. That means for a razor that isn't shaving I'd do less than thirty laps on the 4k (thats completing the whole pyramid). When I was getting my tutorial from Randy I put about 80 laps on the 4k before moving on to the 8k.

4K 8k
1 5

So for the spot on the pyramid that looks like that you are saying I should do one lap (1 stroke up and 1 down) on the 4k then five on the 8k then test. That seems odd to me.

Originally Posted by jbasl

That just doesn't sound right. That means for a razor that isn't shaving I'd do less than thirty laps on the 4k (thats completing the whole pyramid). When I was getting my tutorial from Randy I put about 80 laps on the 4k before moving on to the 8k.

4K 8k
1 5

So for the spot on the pyramid that looks like that you are saying I should do one lap (1 stroke up and 1 down) on the 4k then five on the 8k then test. That seems odd to me.

That is the way the pyramid is set up.

Ok I guess thats how it goes though. It just seems weird because Randy is credited with the pyramid write up and he is the one that showed me how to hone. And it was different.

You can do an aggressive pyramid or a standard pyramid depending on blade condition. Even with a pretty sharp razor you might do 2 or 3 standard pyramids before your done. You never really know. Less is better though, so you test as you go. No one, and I mean no one, knows for sure the condition of your blade. Only you can come close by learning testing techniques over time.

Additionally, teaching someone to hone could take 10 pyramids because a few bad strokes and your accomplishing nothing at all except removing valuable metal. On my first razor I did 68 pyramids over a period of one year. Eventually, it got sharp. :-)

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.

This is one of those subjects that gets grown men acting like shavegeeks and getting their panties all in a wad. Next thing you know we're all sniping at each other. Do a search on Pyramid and you'll get lots of info.

From my perspective, you can apply the simple logic of saying...."you try and get it sharp with a 4K then smooth with an 8K". "Failing that you try again, and again, and again".

Thats the last I'll say on the subject...if things blow up from here its all your fault! :-)

Originally Posted by jbasl

I just want to be clear on the logic.

Welcome to the wonderfull world of straight razors...

Nenad

The pyramid assumes a starting point that is different then what your razor required. You were starting from scratch with an old Ebay vintage razor with an oxidised edge.
After you have given that razor a shave test then you and I will decide where in the pyramid you should start to finish honing that razor. Yes, you will be using the pyramid from now on. It is just where in the pyramid that you will start that has to be decided and that depends on the results of the shave test.

Give me a call,

Originally Posted by jbasl

Ok I guess thats how it goes though. It just seems weird because Randy is credited with the pyramid write up and he is the one that showed me how to hone. And it was different.