Thread: Honing Critique, Please...

Hi Carl. Good to be aware of these things. Even brushing the edge against a fingernail will cause damage. I always partially close a razor into a V shape when it must sit on a hard surface. It's a small precaution that prevents grief.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Hi Carl. Good to be aware of these things. Even brushing the edge against a fingernail will cause damage. I always partially close a razor into a V shape when it must sit on a hard surface. It's a small precaution that prevents grief.

Yeah, I remember a few weeks ago I thought you were supposed to do the TNT after finishing honing! Little did I know I just undid all I'd just done!

I'd bet you're not the first or last to do that

Yep, go with what works for you...I use a entirely different method then most folks, not that I want to be difficult, it just works for me I will use a back and forth motio, kinda like a japanese chisel while countinting strokes then I switch sides...I know iwill burn at the stake for it, but it works for me.

At some point, in the search for the sharpest possible edge, I think you'll find a need to remove your finger. Right now it's no big deal, but it'll become an habitual crutch really soon.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

At some point, in the search for the sharpest possible edge, I think you'll find a need to remove your finger. Right now it's no big deal, but it'll become an habitual crutch really soon.

+1

I know im still new to honing but I found the fastest way to remove that finger from the blade was to hold the hone in my hand while honing, I know its might not be the best thing to do when learning but it worked for me!

After you have honed a few blades and if you feel comfortable try different methods to see what works for you.

That solution sounds very effective to me!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

At some point, in the search for the sharpest possible edge, I think you'll find a need to remove your finger. Right now it's no big deal, but it'll become an habitual crutch really soon.

You mean the finger 1/2 way along the blade, don't you? I'm using it to ensure the edge contacts the hone evenly. Can I ask what the problem with that method might be; what issues it might cause? I have noted Brighty83's comment about holding the hone in the hand...

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

You mean the finger 1/2 way along the blade, don't you? I'm using it to ensure the edge contacts the hone evenly. Can I ask what the problem with that method might be; what issues it might cause? I have noted Brighty83's comment about holding the hone in the hand...

I think the potential issue with using a finger to help stabilize the blade is the risk of applying too much pressure. The finest edge is achieved when very little pressure is used. Using a finger to help press the blade down, no matter how lightly, can still compromise the amount of pressure in the finishing stages if you're not careful.

Thats how I removed my finger too! nice to see I am in good company

Originally Posted by Brighty83

+1

I know im still new to honing but I found the fastest way to remove that finger from the blade was to hold the hone in my hand while honing, I know its might not be the best thing to do when learning but it worked for me!

After you have honed a few blades and if you feel comfortable try different methods to see what works for you.