Thread: How sharp off the Norton 8K?

This business of keeping the razor flat on the hone is one reason I like Belgian stones. I find that the slurry helps enormously in this because it gives a lot of feedback, and there's a kind of suction effect.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

My dominant (right) hand drives the motion from the scales end, while the other hand guides the tip and makes sure it stays on the hone over the full range of motion.

James.

I tried that approach but for me it did not work as well as resting 3 fingers on the spine of the blade.

Originally Posted by dylandog

This business of keeping the razor flat on the hone is one reason I like Belgian stones. I find that the slurry helps enormously in this because it gives a lot of feedback, and there's a kind of suction effect.

Now you mention it I come to realise that this is an important function of the slurry.

Alan,

I hadn't thought about the position of the scales before, but I see what you mean about affecting the balance.

Which way should I try to pivot the scales: toward the edge (like I am slightly closing the razor) or away from the edge (like I'm going to shave with it)?

I'll try your suggestion about using some pressure then backing off.

Josh

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Do you use two hands when you hone? I know this is probably a personal preference thing, but I find using both hands gives me (at least the feeling of) more control. My dominant (right) hand drives the motion from the scales end, while the other hand guides the tip and makes sure it stays on the hone over the full range of motion.

James.

James,

When I was starting out I tried this approach, but I can't make it work with my X-patterns. Since all of my razors are vintage, I'm finding an X-pattern gives me a more even edge. Some of them have a slight smile, and straight across honing hasn't worked well for me.

Josh

Josh,

Slightly closed, you'll notice it fits into your hand better that way too. By the way, stone orientation is also critical. May I suggest placing the stone so it orients North/South instead of East/West? So your going away and then coming into you vs side to side. You may find that somewhere in between (so that one end points to 2 o'clock and one end points to 8 o'clock may be better for you. The key is making sure your using no pressure and keeping the razor flat for several strokes in both directions. Once the razor lifts you may undo every stroke before it.

Be patient, you'll get it.

Originally Posted by joshearl

Alan,

I hadn't thought about the position of the scales before, but I see what you mean about affecting the balance.

Which way should I try to pivot the scales: toward the edge (like I am slightly closing the razor) or away from the edge (like I'm going to shave with it)?

I'll try your suggestion about using some pressure then backing off.

Josh

Alan,

I tried your suggestion about partially closing the razor, and son of a gun, it works. It was a lot easier to keep the razor flat on the stone.

I've been experimenting with different orientations, and I agree that N-S is easier to control.

Thanks,
Josh

As the scales do add some momentum to a razor on the hone, why don't we have scales that can be taken off before honing and put back on again afterwards?

And maybe that can be tightened without a hammer?

There's gotta be something out there that works like the feather pivot that actually looks nice.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Josh,

Slightly closed, you'll notice it fits into your hand better that way too. By the way, stone orientation is also critical. May I suggest placing the stone so it orients North/South instead of East/West? So your going away and then coming into you vs side to side. You may find that somewhere in between (so that one end points to 2 o'clock and one end points to 8 o'clock may be better for you. The key is making sure your using no pressure and keeping the razor flat for several strokes in both directions. Once the razor lifts you may undo every stroke before it.

Be patient, you'll get it.

I know this may sound strange, but I've found standing up while honing works better for me as well. I use two hands, stone facing north/south and I use an X pattern. I can get right over the top of the stone with my head and the balance follows.

Beginning to sound like a golf lesson!

James.