Thread: Okay, I'm stuck

So I'm having trouble on my hones. I seem to be setting an okay bevel, but its not getting sharp enough to cut hair. Its sharp alright, and it would totally cut myself if got stupid, but I don't know if I'm supposed to move on. I'm being very careful and keeping the blade level and flat on the hone, and not using more then enough pressure than needed to keep it on the one and maintain contact on the pass.

Should I not move up from the 1K till it can cut hair? Or is it not supposed to cut hair off the 1K?

Originally Posted by salazch

and not using more then enough pressure than needed to keep it on the one and maintain contact on the pass.

There's your problem, when setting a bevel, pressure is your friend. Don't be afraid to torque it down quite a bit.

Originally Posted by Blix

There's your problem, when setting a bevel, pressure is your friend. Don't be afraid to torque it down quite a bit.

So do you stop that kind of pressure when you move off the 1k?

Originally Posted by salazch

So do you stop that kind of pressure when you move off the 1k?

Im nowhere near a pro-honer but after I've got it to cut/"semi-cut" i do a few laps without pressure on 1k and then move to my 4k applying no pressure. Works alright for me but perhaps its smart to wait and see what the guys with more routine say

Originally Posted by salazch

So do you stop that kind of pressure when you move off the 1k?

After 1k I use way less pressure for sure, a tiny bit at 2k maybe, bur from there just enough to keep the blade evenly on the hone.

And yeah, the last few strokes on the 1k is def. lighter than the first.

How much pressure is too much on the 1k?

Thanks for the help.
As for hitting hair, should it be able to cut off the 1k?

Originally Posted by salazch

How much pressure is too much on the 1k?

About the same amount of pressure you'd use for an eraser on paper.

As for hitting hair, should it be able to cut off the 1k?

Yes, and for the entire length of the blade. otherwise you haven't really created an edge, and you aren't ready for polishing.

Indeed, must cut hair. I also find the thumb nail test valuable, it's easy too feel if your blade is sharp or not along the edge.

Salaczh,
Don't be afraid of pressure on the 1K while you are getting your bevel set.

Check out Glen's videos here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-gssixgun.html Particularly, the ones for honing a smiling wedge. When he does bevel setting circles, he uses enough pressure to leave evidence of metal on the stone. That was a huge breakthrough for me. I spent hours (and hours and hours) trying to get my razors sharp only to come up unable to get them to shave. I was never getting the bevel properly set. When I started using pretty significant pressure on the 1K to get a bevel really set - able to pop hairs on my arm before moving on - the 4K, 8K and finish became very predictable and I got even my long term problem razors "shave ready". I use enough torque to leave small indentations on my thumb/finger.

As folks above have stated AFTER it pops hair on my arm, I always end the 1K with 10 - 20 very light X or swooping strokes before moving on to the finer stones. From the 4K up keep the pressure very light.

I'll bet that will solve your problem. Good luck.