Thread: Different technique for honing narrow blades?

My user-grade 4/8 and 5/8 razors had lost their edges, so I refreshed them yesterday. This is the first time I have done this and the first time I have used this 2-line Franz Swaty barber's hone, so I made a few strokes over the hone with 320-grit sandpaper. Then I attempted to duplicate gssixgun's techinique from his YouTube video. Just for good measure, I also stropped them on pasted balsa.

I'm really happy with the edge on the 5/8 razor, but the edge on the 4/8 is not quite as sharp. Is there a different technique for honing narrower razors? Is there anything wrong with my procedure?

Just IME 4/8s are a little more difficult to control because of the narrow blade. I have to pay more attention to my stroke and be careful not to lift the spine. You may have had different results because your 4/8 may need more work than your 5/8 did. Could be simple as that, hard to say. Whenever I hone a blade and it doesn't go where I want it to I go back to the hones.

+1 to what Jimmy said. Unless the razors edges were in the exact same condition and react exactly the same way to the honing, you won't be able to use the exact same process and get the exact same results. Different starting point + same process = possibly different results. The exception would be if you slightly over-do everything, which can make up for the initial differences.

I also have to pay more attention when honing (and stropping and shaving with) narrower blades, as I find the angle a bit tougher to control.

+1 ... Steel might even be harder in the 4/8 necessitating a little more hone time

I find it's just harder to hold on to while honing.

You have to pay attention because of the smaller size and weight or you may not be aware if the edge isn't moving just right as you hone.

I'm not going to repeat what these guys have already stated, however it sounded like the edge improved on the 4/8. If it improved, repeat your process until it is where you want it. If it doesn't improve, then you need to change your plan of attack & may have to re-set the bevel.

Thanks, gentlement! It seems the issue is the alloys used for each razor. The 4/8 just doesn't seem to hold an edge as well as the 5/8. I'll keep in mind all of this advice, and I greatly appreciate each of you taking the time to respond.

Before you give up on it, you may consider sending it to a pro-honer to see what they can do with it. That experience comes in handy and it takes that experience to understand what the razor is "telling" you while you are honing it. Sounds silly I know, but it's true.

I haven't given up. This is a semi-custom razor (and my primary shaver) which was professionally honed when I first received it. Hopefully it is not as high-maintenance as it seems, and perhaps the issue can be corrected with better technique.

If this is an American made 4/8 then they are usually a bit softer steel.
When I am honing a narrow blade I find it necessary to focus more on keeping the edge in contact with the hone. My weight distribution is 40% spine/ 60% edge.

Hope this helps,