Fixing a frowning blade?

I've got a straight razor that's in need of being re-honed, and it's also got a slight frown that I'd like to fix. Since I've never honed a razor, would this be too much of an undertaking for a noob? I'm assuming that I'd start with a 1k stone and reset the bevel until the frown is gone, then work up to an 8k to finish the edge? Are there any resources that anyone can point me toward that deal with fixing a frowning blade?

Also, I don't have any stones yet, but I'm going to be getting some soon. Unless someone can recommend a better alternative, I'll probably get the Norton Waterstone started kit that comes with the 220/1000, 4000/8000, and the flattening stone.

I'd say send it out, if you have never honed a blade. If you want to start honing grab a razor that does not have problems with the geometry so you can learn the strokes and pressures etc. first.
Norton set is a good beginner set.

I think the best resource is the search button under your notifications and settings. And I think anyone can do it. It'll just take you longer to do it than it would someone with experience. If you have a chance to meet any members who have a lot of stones, you could try a bunch out, and see which one's you think you'd prefer. Otherwise, there's very few who've been disappointed with Nortons. HTH.

Mainaman brought up points I didn't consider. He's probably on to something there. :)

Can we see a pic of the razor????

The Norton set up will work . I wouldn't spend the money on the flattening stone , though .

220 wet/dry paper , and a $5 plate glass cutting board is all I use . On the 4k/8k I give them a "once over" with 400 w/d paper , after I get them lapped with 220 .

I once honed a "small" frown out of a Morley razor , on a King 1k hone . It took many hours , but gave me plenty of honing experience .

I'll post a pic of the razor when I go home for lunch today. The frown isn't too bad IMO, but then again I don't know much about fixing razors so it could be worse than I think it is.

Doesn't the Norton 220/1000/4000/8000 set include a lapping stone?

Larry, this is Nick. You and I have been emailing back and forth for about a week now. I purchased the Case Brothers razor from you. When I get ready to purchase a set of stones, I'll probably be buying a half Norton set from you to get myself started.

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Originally Posted by LarryAndro

Doesn't the Norton 220/1000/4000/8000 set include a lapping stone?

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I didn't know they're selling sets . I bought my 4k/8k , 5 years ago , and bought the 220/1k around 2 years later . :fim:

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Originally Posted by myersn024

I've got a straight razor that's in need of being re-honed, and it's also got a slight frown that I'd like to fix. Since I've never honed a razor, would this be too much of an undertaking for a noob? I'm assuming that I'd start with a 1k stone and reset the bevel until the frown is gone, then work up to an 8k to finish the edge? Are there any resources that anyone can point me toward that deal with fixing a frowning blade?

Also, I don't have any stones yet, but I'm going to be getting some soon. Unless someone can recommend a better alternative, I'll probably get the Norton Waterstone started kit that comes with the 220/1000, 4000/8000, and the flattening stone.

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I am also a beginner but here is how I am doing it. Put 3 or 4 layers of tape on spine. Mark bevel with a marker. Do one stroke on any hone. The frowning area will have marker on it. Do sets of circles mild pressure until the bevel is getting worked from heel to toe on both sides. Try to get both sides somewhat even if possible. Re test with marker and change the outer layer of tape as necessary. Then take off one layer of tape and do circles until the marer gets wiped off all the way to the cutting edge. Do the last step until one layer of tape. When the bevels there one one layer just do some x strokes with light pressure. Continue to 4k and progress from there.
I'm not too experienced with this so you can take with a grain of salt. If the razor is of any value you may want to try with a junk razor first.

---michael

I posted a similar question, about 18 months ago. It was my first razor, and I was tearing my hair out . . .

Yes, you start with 1000 grit, and use straight strokes (removing metal from the toe and heel) until the edge is straight, and there's a good bevel right along the edge.

Then, go to higher grits.

I started out honing with sandpaper and micro-abrasive paper, but finally caved in to pressure (and good advice here) and got a set of Norton stones. No regrets about the Nortons.

You'll have to remove enough metal to straighten out the edge. There are no shortcuts.

. Charles

Here's a pic of the blade of the razor. I had to put my hand behind to get the camera to focus in the right place. You can clearly see that the edge is not very even.

That is a very small frown and should come out by honing toward a smiling profile, if not totally the first time through then by the second...