Thread: Can't get a full bevel

Hi guys: I recently bought a boxful of rusted razors ot the local antique shop for twnty bucks. One of the gems was a large hollow ground pre-1890 Wade and Butcher. The rust had pitted about 1/4 of the length of the blade at the heel end. I ground it away on the narrow side of my Norton so that it has a sort of half smile as it leads to the tang. Try as I might, I cannot get a good bevel on that part of the blade. the rest of the blade is sharp and I shaved with it today. I've tried to do a sweeping X stroke and circles with pressure but it doesn't seem to make contact with the stone. Any advice? I really don't want to hone the rest of the blade back to even it up. Is there a stroke that will work without lifting the spine?

A rolling stroke perhaps. Start with the heel on the stone, start making your stroke and gradually change the part of the edge in contact until you reach the toe. You can also do rolling circles if you would like. A rolling stroke is more dangerous to the edge since there is more moving of the razor and so it makes it easier to make a mistake it also increases your time on the hone since only a small part of the edge is in contact with the hone. I am sure there is a better description in the wiki. One can also use a thin hone, like an inch wide or so. Good Luck.

If I am understanding right, you ground away part of the blade with the side of your Norton? So... basically you breadknifed a section of the blade.
You are going to need to do a lot of sharpening to bring it back.

Just keep at it, and keep working the dull part until you get it.

Not that I could help, but I'd like to see a picture if you don't mind.

Originally Posted by regularjoe

Not that I could help, but I'd like to see a picture if you don't mind.

+1, btw, you better get some tape.

Thank you everyone. I did improve the edge somewhat using the advice you all have given me. Pics are tough for two reasons-1. my computer at home is on the fritz and 2. I'd have to have my wifes' help with taking and posting photos, and I don't want her to know how bad my RAD has gotten. this batch of razors that the W&B came with brings my total to about twelve. Combine that with the cost of the strop , a Norton 4/8, a Norton 1k, brushes, soaps, etc. etc. All in about one year. Hard to explain.