Thread: How sharp can you get without a set bevel?

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I'm not sure if you know what you are even honing with, so I will start there. After looking at my Shapton GS's here is what I use, so you can get an idea in the "micron" sizing":
1K=14.7 micron
4K=3.68 micron
8K=1.84 micron
16K=0.92 micron
30K=0.49 micron

Here are the actual honing films I bought [link]. I followed a grit comparison chart with the same numbers as yours, that shows the 15, 5 and 0.5 micron films as equivalent to (hypothetical) 900, 5-6000 and 15 000 grit Norton stones, so far as they can be compared. I thought the jump from 5 to 0.5 would be much too big, and they don't sell the 1 micron stuff here, but other people have said it works fine. The first two grits are reasonably similar to a 1k - 4k Norton pair anyway, and that's definitely the range where I'm screwing up.

I very nearly caved in and bought a Norton 4/8k this week, but I still have a bunch of film and I don't think the tools are my problem. Plus, as an unemployed graduate, the money is tight.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I would have to agree with these guys that the bevel may not be set right. You should consider Utopians offer, but if you are a do it yourselfer I would recommend a progression equivalent to 1,4,8,16K.

I'm sure you're probably right. Possibly the gap between "sharp enough to cut hair" and "properly razor sharp" is much larger than I think; surely there's a reason it's the most common newb mistake.