Thread: Need diagnostic help...

I gave the slipstones a try last night and met with mixed results. I lapped them on 600-grit sandpaper and glass, then I did 40 laps with the 4000 stone and 30 with the 8000. Then I went through the aggressive pyramid once and stropped 30 laps. (I used X-strokes throughout.)

Before I started, the razor (which I'd beveled on 2000 grit sandpaper) could shave my arm hair, although not easily. After I finished it didn't even want to do that. I did look at the edge under my microscope, and it looks much more polished and even. So I guess I'm heading in the right direction. I tried a few shaving strokes this morning and it didn't do much except scrape off lather.

Tonight maybe I'll try another pyramid or two and work on getting lighter pressure on the hones. I have a feeling I'll be sending one of my razors off to a honemeister pretty soon...

Josh, I would not do it if I were you. Since you already started honing, you need to keep on working on them instead of giving up. The problem with these stones is that they cut slowly, so you won't see results instantaneously. However, they will get you a shave-ready edge as long as you keep your cool. I use moderate pressure during most of the honing process, until I get very close and then I soften it up. What you have to start doing is just go through pyramids as you focus on keeping the pressure even and each part of the blade spending equal time on the hone.

Originally Posted by joshearl

I gave the slipstones a try last night and met with mixed results. I lapped them on 600-grit sandpaper and glass, then I did 40 laps with the 4000 stone and 30 with the 8000. Then I went through the aggressive pyramid once and stropped 30 laps. (I used X-strokes throughout.).

You don't have to do complete pyramids, so if a test shows you're close after a certain number of pyramids, on the next one you might do a few tests mid-pyramid to see if you're there.

You're problem now is that you don't know where you are, other than it's not keen. I suggest before you do anything, perform a thumbnail test to establish this. Then you'll know if the blade is dull, micro-chipped, has a wire edge, etc. I wouldn't try any pyramids until you pass the thumbnail test. Then, do 1 pyramid and test for sharpness (HHT or whatever you use). Keep repeating this until the test shows you're close, then try a conservative pyramid with a test after each rep. Stop when you pass this test and shave test.

Joe put it in more eloquent words than I did. Listen to him Josh, as he knows what he's doing and then some.

Joe, as I understand it, the thumbnail test consists of wetting your nail and drawing the razor's edge over the surface of the nail with as little pressure as possible. I've been trying that, and the edge does seem to bite in just a little, leaving a small groove, and it feels consistent over the whole edge. It doesn't slip or feel rough. Does it sound like I'm on the right track?

Originally Posted by joshearl

Joe, as I understand it, the thumbnail test consists of wetting your nail and drawing the razor's edge over the surface of the nail with as little pressure as possible. I've been trying that, and the edge does seem to bite in just a little, leaving a small groove, and it feels consistent over the whole edge. It doesn't slip or feel rough. Does it sound like I'm on the right track?

That's right. Just add one initial step. Allow the edge to rest on the fingernail and begin tilting the thumb down. You should be able to tilt down to 45 degrees without the blade slipping sideways. If it doesn't pass this test it's dull.

The thumbnail test is done in a few places along the blade. I like either end and the middle. You may get different results at different spots. All spots need to pass the test. For a more detailed explanation of what the test results mean, go to classicshaving.com, the "how to ... and why" section. See the subsection on honing.

From your descriiption, it seems your blade may pass the test. Just make sure it passes the tilt test.

Originally Posted by joshearl

... I lapped them on 600-grit sandpaper and glass ...

This could be part of your problem. I lapped my Norton combination water stone recently with Silicon Carbide which was fairly coarse and the result was the surface was just too coarse to get a good edge on the razor. 1mm would be fine and the next couldn't cut crap. I'd go to 1000-2000 grit high quality wet/dry for finishing that job to make sure everything is working optimally before you try another pyramid.

And I'm going to disagree with, Joe ( AGAIN!!) but only just a little. While a whole pyramid (up to 25 4k laps) is overkill when you're very close, I often find that if I'm continually stymied trying to finish an edge off, I can go back and with a pyramid up to 10, get a good foundation for the completion of the edge. each circumstance is unique and you'll have to decide what you think you should try.

X

Originally Posted by xman

And I'm going to disagree with, Joe ( AGAIN!!) but only just a little. While a whole pyramid (up to 25 4k laps) is overkill when you're very close, I often find that if I'm continually stymied trying to finish an edge off, I can go back and with a pyramid up to 10, get a good foundation for the completion of the edge. each circumstance is unique and you'll have to decide what you think you should try.

I don't disagree with this. I did say that the partial pyramid should be done when your close. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

I don't disagree with this. I did say that the partial pyramid should be done when your close. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Then I agree not to disagree.

X

Well, the pyramids seem to be working. I did five or six last night, and this morning the razor was actually shaving, although it was tugging badly around my chin. Although it wasn't even in the neighborhood of a close shave, it did knock my stubble down quite a bit with one pass.

The edge does seem to pass the 45-degree tilt part of the thumbnail test. It's starting to bite more as I drag it across my nail, too.

I'm realizing that what I thought was a smooth-looking edge (viewing through the 60x Radio Shack microscope) was actually more like a crosscut saw blade. Now my edge is more polished, and the teeth are so small I can barely make them out.

I'll do a few more pyramids tonight, I guess. The heel and point of the edge still seem like they need work.

Is it possible to develop a wire edge if you stick with the pyramids and use light pressure?