Thread: Bevel Consistency

Hello All,

So I have been shaving with a straight razor for about a year now and things have been going pretty well. The one problem I am having is shaving ATG. The razor seems to not want cut through the hair (it tents to want to bounce) even though WTG and XTG is fine. I assume that this is probably a sign my razor is not sharp enough. I have been using a Norton 4000/8000 for sharpening and finishing with a leather strop with 0.5 micron diamond spray followed my normal stropping. Also, I have been using the pyramid honing method. I have noticed that my bevel is not a consistent width and I'm not sure what the problem is (see the drawing below). I thought that this could be caused by a warped blade, but I would think that the area on the opposite side of the narrow bevel would be wider and this is not the case. The razor is a Dovo "best quality" 6/8 razor, which was bought new a year ago. Any ideas on how to fix this problem?

I just finished watching the video on the homepage for honeing(Lynn;s vid) and it shows how to create a consistant straight bevel using a circular technique and honeing from start to finish should help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...d&v=snHgx37bAN

Just FYI, an even bevel doesn't mean a whole lot as it could have something to do with the grind on the razor. That smaller bevel spot you are showing could be where the grind went a little deep compared to the rest of the rest of the razor. So what I am saying is that it's not really an issue at all, but the razor not shaving well is a problem. What it sounds like is that you may need to re-set the bevel, which requires a bevel setting stone of around 1K. It can be done with a 4K, but will take a LOT longer. Do you have a magnifier of some sort to look at the cutting edge 60x+? If you don't you might consider picking up one of the 60-100x Radio Shack magnifiers that's somewhere around $10. With this and a magic marker you will be able to actually see what is going on at the bevel instead of guessing...

Originally Posted by orgchm

... The razor seems to not want cut through the hair (it tents to want to bounce) even though WTG and XTG is fine. I assume that this is probably a sign my razor is not sharp enough. ...

Your razor might not be optimally sharp, but I doubt that is your problem. If it is sharp enough to shave WTG and XTG, I suspect it is sharp enough to shave ATG. My suggestion is to try variations of angles, and not strictly 90 degree advancement. Maybe, shave XTG and then XTG plus 45 degrees. If you do that, then maybe the ATG pass will work fine, or maybe you won't even need ATG.

Don't worship the 90 degree advancement (WTG/XTG/ATG). Make up your own best passes.

I'd try Larry's suggestions before deciding that your razor needs to be re-honed. I can't shave ATG on my face at all, but I don't feel like I need to, either. My normal shave is 2 passes WTG, and that'll get me as close of a shave as I care to have. YMMV

Originally Posted by myersn024

I can't shave ATG on my face at all, but I don't feel like I need to, either. My normal shave is 2 passes WTG, and that'll get me as close of a shave as I care to have. YMMV

+1 to that

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Just FYI, an even bevel doesn't mean a whole lot as it could have something to do with the grind on the razor. What it sounds like is that you may need to re-set the bevel. Do you have a magnifier of some sort to look at the cutting edge 60x+? With this and a magic marker you will be able to actually see what is going on at the bevel instead of guessing

+1 as well. I listened to shooter and got myself a 60-100x pocket scope. It's amazing what you see even just at just 60x. It's pretty cool. I'm also waiting for a few loupes: a 30X and 40X with LEDs and a 50-800X USB scope for sharing my bevel porn with you guys. I've been wonderning: magic marker = Sharpie? Last time I was at Staples I don't recall seeing "Magic marker".

I can only do 1.75 passes, WTG and XTG(sorta). I do a regular with the grain pass, then on my cheeks a XTG pass, Then under my chin and jawline i do a pass halfway between with the grain and across the grain.

My beard is thick, sharp corners on my face, and my skin is sensitive, and quite elastic. If i try to stretch my skin too much under the jaw line it will get irritated and that means i cant really stretch it tight enough to even attempt against the grain. I want to point out i have a razor honed by a VERY reputable honemeister , my face just cant take it.