Thread: Honing a 4/8" razor?

Is there any appreciable difference when honing a 4/8" razor versus a 5/8"? I tried searching, but all I got back was a bunch of posts about the Norton 4/8 stone.

I don't really feel there is much difference in honing the different sizes.

Grind, and geometry, matters more when it comes to the right approach on honing various razors.

As an example, a smiling wedge could be totally different on the hones compared to a full hollow with a straight cutting edge.

+1 Birnando.

I really have found there to be no difference unless the geometry is different. I actually have a lot easier time with a straight edge vs. a smile.

The 4/8"ers seem to take less effort vs. a 7/8 or larger, but that might just be me... No expert here.

Originally Posted by mjhammer

+1 Birnando.

I really have found there to be no difference unless the geometry is different. I actually have a lot easier time with a straight edge vs. a smile.

The 4/8"ers seem to take less effort vs. a 7/8 or larger, but that might just be me... No expert here.

i would think a lot of people have an easier time with a straight edge vs a smile until they get pretty good at a rolling stroke..

Thanks for the info. I didn't think there was anything different, but I wanted to be sure before starting on a new acquisition of mine. I found a Hoffritz 4/8" razor that has so little hone wear that I'm not sure it hasn't ever been to the stones.

There is no difference in the honing, but the narrow width of the blade suggests a tighter stropping or preferrably a paddle strop which guarantees the edge will not be wrapped too much.