Thread: I'm not sure what to say about this.

You know, I just saw this video and was looking for comments since his methods were so different from what I've learned here. I didn't expect to get dragged across the coals, or the razor. There's a lot of science behind the way razors have been sharpened for years, using electron microscopes as proof of a "perfect" edge. I just wanted to know if there was any merrit to his methods, and if not why not. Carter's methods fly right in the face of everything I've ever learned about shapening, but when it comes to knives his methods are much easier for the average layman and can be done without using any artificial guides.

The biggest question I have is what is the scientific difference between pushing the blade against the stone, the conventional method of sharpening, and his method of "stropping" the blade against the stone? I'm not at all sold on dragging the blade on a piece of wood, but with his methods it "kinda" makes sense as this would leave particles on the blade edge.

The reason I'm interested in all this is because I've not had much luck sharpening my own razors. I just sent two off to SRD, and maybe the next time they dull I'll try it again. If that doesn't work maybe I'll try Carter's methods, except the part about dulling the edge before starting. Worse case scenerio I have to send it back to SRD. Worse, worse case scenerio I have to get a new razor. It's not like I'm trying a DIY circumcision.

Originally Posted by regularjoe

How did this thread go on for 20 some pages, get closed, then get re-opened with a link to the original video that started the first 22 pages of yacking, all over again?

That's easy Joe, it's like the closing scene in Deliverance; where the hand reappears after the valley was flooded.
The boys drive off thanking the body is well weighted down.
Should of tied a few more pounds to this one.

Originally Posted by ziggy925

The biggest question I have is what is the scientific difference between pushing the blade against the stone, the conventional method of sharpening, and his method of "stropping" the blade against the stone?

Back Honing is not his first off... Not even for razors

Secondly it is only a part of the Vid/Technique

Third the real difference it in the type of sharp you are trying to attain, one is good for cutting things the other is comfortable for shaving

Fourth the differences between "Sharps" are subtle, many of us can shave off a 1k, but most of us don't choose to

The same question over and over throughout the entire thread, because people latch on to one aspect..

This method was picked up on another forum and tested because they saw it as an opportunity to make SRP look like we were non-accepting of new ideas... After they changed the entire process claiming to have made it work not ONE person still uses it today as a form of honing Not One,, In fact not one of them used it more than once or twice...

So instead of asking why and for proof, why not learn how to hone both ways and let your face tell you which works better, and then after time let the razor tell you which abuses the steel and creates frowns ...
I think you should simply try them all

Originally Posted by eod7

The part I really liked is him leaning his body weight onto the razor, as if he were performing chest compressions on a bodybuilder.

And then... you might want to do a... little bit of a grrrinnddd on the edge... like that

Literally the best thing I've seen all day....other than team-bagging (when the whole team does repeated crouching on a fallen enemy) on Halo which also makes me laugh quite hysterically

can the mods just lock this thread already? I can't believe it made a come back after so long...

Okay. I watched some Japanese sharpening videos and some videos from Lynn. It appears to me the methods are similar, except that Lynn uses much more finesse and a much lighter touch. IMHO Lynn's methods are far superior to Carter's without even trying both methods on my face. At least with razors, it looks like the West has taken from the East and refined the process. I appreciate all the comments, well maybe not all, and I feel confident I can try this again with success.

Well, I tried it on several of my razors a while back and could NOT get good results. I will stick to the traditional way.

Originally Posted by mackie

Well, I tried it on several of my razors a while back and could NOT get good results. I will stick to the traditional way.

That only proves that you lack the skills displayed by the great MC

Your conclusion from your results is spot on. Do what works for you. No offense to anyone...but if this method works for MC, so be it. I am not interested in any experimentation that is a radical departure from what works for me...I would advise others to do the same. (Baby steps)

Groupthink - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by ziggy925

Okay. I watched some Japanese sharpening videos and some videos from Lynn. It appears to me the methods are similar, except that Lynn uses much more finesse and a much lighter touch. IMHO Lynn's methods are far superior to Carter's without even trying both methods on my face. At least with razors, it looks like the West has taken from the East and refined the process. I appreciate all the comments, well maybe not all, and I feel confident I can try this again with success.

The methods that Carter uses are his version of knife sharpening, not even what is done by other folks that sharpen a lot of knives.
Knife sharpening methods are not that applicable in razor honing,or knife the edge needs to be rather toothy to get good bite for easier cut, for razor it is exact opposite, minimal bite is needed for the best results. Even the hones that have been established to work great on knives are not what is used for razors, there are some that still use some Chosera and Super Stones, but there is a ton of custom formulated knife specific stones that give the best edge for cutting stuff, that is not whiskers.