Thread: Request for a Honing Pressure Video.

When I think about pressure when honing I think more about what I am doing at a given point. So, when I start on the 1K and set a bevel, I am using pretty firm pressure for 2 sets of 20 circles in both directions followed by 10-15 strokes with firm pressure. My thought at this point is that I am trying to cut consistent bevel into the edge and the pressure along with the stone allow me to accomplish this pretty quickly unless I am messing with a razor that has significant and uneven wear in the spine and multiple bevels already. You can definitely use less pressure than I do when bevel setting knowing that it will just take a little longer to accomplish the bevel set. A good bevel set remains key to the entire honing process. When I hit the 4K, my first set of circles is still with firm pressure as I am reinforcing the cutting of the bevel, but transitioning to more of a polishing regiment. The second set of circles and all the following X strokes are done virtually no pressure which allows the stones to finish the honing process and polish the edge to finished. I have seen most people become very successful with their edges when they lightened the pressure on the finishing stones when they were having problems not getting quite there.

I use simple X strokes after the circles and on the finishing stones and this allows me to see water displacement very clearly. Nothing fancy needed and nothing gained really from adding twist and turns and zigs and zags.

As for the number of strokes, I am a counter and I teach people to count because when you have a close range in numbers that work, it helps to provide a repeatable and consistent process. This has been going on since the first forum started when I learned the pyramid process. I still rely on numbers for both the pyramid honing and the circle process I came up with 5 or 6 years ago. It simply works. I found that using the numbers on the one stone method really was an aid to successful honing on natural stones from start to finish after bevel setting.

As for as firm pressure is concerned, you definitely have to pay attention to the type of razor you are working on and the grind. Too much pressure on a really hollow blade can create a scenario for a micro bevel when you go up the grits after bevel setting.

Nothing takes away from the fact that every new person needs to learn to keep the razor flat on the stone unless you are doing rolling X strokes and that the more you practice, the better results you will get. We see the same unrealistic expectations from people new to honing as we do when they start out shaving. The overwhelming majority of people anticipate immediate good results from both and unfortunately, both usually have a learning curve. From the hundreds of people I have actually sat down with and taught to hone, most have had two things in common. They are tentative with pressure on the bevel setting and have a hard time keeping the razor flat on the stone. If you ad the fact that a lot of guys will work for many hours on a blade at first, you get what we usually see and that is a spine that is unevenly worn and a multi-beveled edge. I know, it's because so many razors are warped........lol.

Honing is something you learn out of the desire to maintain your own razors or learn as a hobby. The point is to try to make if fun to learn and do. Try not to over analyze it or push the process. Experiment with different pressures and stones and razors. I have said this before, but try to learn not only from what you don't do right, but learn from what you do right too.

Have fun.

One thing I did learn from this, and many are going to argue

There is no such thing as a "Negative Pressure Stroke" and before you refute, it make sure you read what Lynn said there about keeping the razor flat on the hone, and seeing the even water displacement, you might be getting very light strokes but you actually not going to go below the weight of the blade... Not and keep correct contact with the hone

I really tried it and learned something after all with this

[QUOTE=Lynn;938180] Try not to over analyze it or push the process. Experiment with different pressures and stones and razors. I have said this before, but try to learn not only from what you don't do right, but learn from what you do right too. [QUOTE=Lynn;938180]
I am big on experimentation as it is the only way to learn an acquired skill and what works for each person is something very personal. Having fun like you said is a key part in taking a learned skill to the next level, be it learning a musical instrument, honing, drawing, painting. It's easy to be too analytical when skill is involved, after all we are people and we all do things just a little bit different than each other.