Thread: Pyramid Schemes!

Thanks Lynn.

That video also nicely illustrates, I think, how the water should pool up ahead of the blade through out the stroke.

I have a sneaking suspicion that it is not going to look like that for me. If my memory from last night's failed honing attempt is accurate.

Originally Posted by BrentonC

After my last update I spent a good bit of time last night, starting back at the 1k (naniwa), up through the 12 k, pasted T-I strop, and hanging strop before shaving.

So, while the shave felt smooth and didn't pull, it wasn't at all close this morning -- had to redo the shave with my trusty EJ safety. I thought I was getting the blade sharp, last night, but obviously not.

Your advice this morning, then, about the marker test and the water pooling test is much appreciated. This'll be my next try this afternoon, after work.

Many thanks.

Randy told me years ago ..... don't go to the 12k and the paste until you are shaving well off the 8k. If the razor isn't shaving well off of the 8k you are going to the polishing prematurely. Just wasting time, stone and metal.

I keep on forgetting to recommend the magic marker test. Use it, it is simple to do and definitive.

I didn't know that about the 12k. I'll keep that in mind.

the 1 and 5k naniwas are soaking as I type -- I'll grab a marker and get to it.

(playing hooky, I'm afraid, leaving work a bit early so I can get to this! Shhhh!, don't tell).

The Naniwas only require a few minutes of soaking. Don't leave them in water long. I normally just spray them for a few minutes until they quit drinking.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by BrentonC

I didn't know that about the 12k. I'll keep that in mind.

the 1 and 5k naniwas are soaking as I type -- I'll grab a marker and get to it.

(playing hooky, I'm afraid, leaving work a bit early so I can get to this! Shhhh!, don't tell).

Alright, just a dip, and not a drenching for the Naniwas. Thanks for that.

So, with the blade lying flat on the stone, I can see that the toe on one side is not touching.

When I do the 45-ish degree X stroke, however, the blade passes the marker test!

At least that's good news.

Originally Posted by BrentonC

Alright, just a dip, and not a drenching for the Naniwas. Thanks for that.

So, with the blade lying flat on the stone, I can see that the toe on one side is not touching.

When I do the 45-ish degree X stroke, however, the blade passes the marker test!

At least that's good news.

Glad to see it's starting to work for you, Brenton.
Let us know how it shaves (off the 8k)
Hang on and enjoy the ride

Thanks Hav',

So far, I can tell you I felt grippage on the thumbnail after some strokes on the 1K.

Then, to the 5k, I believe I discerned some thumb pad evidence of increasing sharpness. After my dinner here at the local pub, if not too ... uhhhh, unsteady, I'll set to pyramiding the 5 and 8 k stones.

You know, maybe there should be a wiki on this, or maybe not, but you boys surely know what I mean when I say that there is a certain indescribable thrill when you seize yourself of this ancient art form, and begin to see some results from the efforts of your own hand. The shave was one such thrill, but actually honing my own straight razor -- It takes it to another level.

I'll report back with my efforts to progress from 5 to 8. I think I'll wait till the morning though. One thing I think I can "discern" is that I'm already a little . . . relaxed!