Thread: An expiriment with Sharpmaker rods in lieu of a proper hone.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Attachment 94920


These are what you are talking about ???

The only "Problem" is making sure you don't frown the blade which is way more likely with "Rod" style systems, that can be a real pain to fix..
You can actually shave off of a 1k stone, we have been saying that for years, and recently quite a few of the newer guys put it to the test and learned it was true..The grit of the rods are probably pretty low compared to where most people take their edges for razors but it will do in a pinch..

That is what I'm talking about but only the rods are relevant. I was worried about keeping a nice straight edge but I think I did a good job maintaining the stroke thoughout. Also, it's not something I'd want to do with a blade that required a lot of work. It's certainly not something I'd do with the same blade twice so I'm assuming moderation is the key to avoiding a 'frown'.

Originally Posted by JeffR

Since I only hone my own razors my "real" hone is a hard Arkansas stone. Mind you, I've been doing this for a while, and in addition to using a feather-light touch for the final strokes on the stone I actually pay more attention to stropping on canvas then leather. To me the real "magic" in getting a razor to comfy-shave condition is in the stropping.

Gssixgun knows what he's talking about; for getting the ultimate edge on a razor the avid honers generally use much finer stones.

Excellent, thanks! I'm just trying to absorb a much information as possible without screwing anything up too badly. It always helps to know what works for others.

I have tried ceramic rods and have been astounded by the uneven surface.

But after knocking the surface smooth a bit I was able to hone
a very potato chip warped blade. My crockstick is the
ultimate in a narrow hone. It can take me a couple visits
to the rock pile to correct some problems so this has worked
in the interim but not so well that I recommend it.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

I have tried ceramic rods and have been astounded by the uneven surface.

But after knocking the surface smooth a bit I was able to hone
a very potato chip warped blade. My crockstick is the
ultimate in a narrow hone. It can take me a couple visits
to the rock pile to correct some problems so this has worked
in the interim but not so well that I recommend it.

I have had mediocre results with knives using other crock stick systems and have noticed that the Spyderco is the only system with a fairly consistently even surface. I don't know if that's due to the triangular cross-section of the rods, manufacturing, etc. but my past success with it are what made me consider using it for correcting a bad razor edge. Which specific crock stick system did you use on your razor?

Originally Posted by BoneDaddy

I have had mediocre results with knives using other crock stick systems and have noticed that the Spyderco is the only system with a fairly consistently even surface. I don't know if that's due to the triangular cross-section of the rods, manufacturing, etc. but my past success with it are what made me consider using it for correcting a bad razor edge. Which specific crock stick system did you use on your razor?

I have a couple including sticks from Spyderco
and other companies...
None were ideal.... I could get OK results but
the Norton 4k/8k combo is my workhorse and I
only resort to odd stuff when the problem is also odd.

At this point my spyderco ultra fine bench hone is high on
my list of finishers. Out of the box the surface was rough
with saw cut marks. After lapping and conditioning it
is turning into a nice finisher to keep under the sink for
touchups. Lots smoother than any barber hone...