Thread: Dull in center of razor?

Although still technically new, approximately 1 year, I've hone a couple vintage razors successfully. I've recently been working on getting a George Butler & Co "Shakespeare" into shave ready condition. I first just hit a Norton 4/8k but the middle of the edge seemed less than keen after the 8k. I next went back to a 1k and killed the edge then started over. Relapped all stones flat then progressed back up thru 8k. The bevel looks even with a 30x loupe but is noticeably sharper on both the heel and toe with the center barely popping arm hair after stropping. Any ideas?

was the whole blade popping arm hair off the 1k? Could be a pressure issue, a rolling X stroke with not enough getting hit in the middle...or possibly the slightest bit of a frown? How's the spine look? Even wear and straight?

I'm in the same boat as you, not exactly green, but far from a pro LOL So, while I'm sure more experienced members will chime in, those are the couple of things I would look at first

Pics of the razor might help. Good luck with it

The magic marker test rules in this instance so you can figure out what stroke is going to get all of the blade

delete: strange, delayed double post


and of course, gssixgun comes in with one small sentence that's more useful than my whole 2 paragraph response

I actually did the magic marker test, although admittedly the first time I've done it, it appeared to evenly remove the marker in just a few passes. The spine actually looks like the wear is slightly wavy, I didn't notice it before because I was using 1 layer of tape for protection. Any way of fixing this if it is the cause?

Heel first on your bevel setting stone will fix this..make sure firm pressure is applied if you go top to bottom making 100% contact

Originally Posted by 62belair

I actually did the magic marker test, although admittedly the first time I've done it, it appeared to evenly remove the marker in just a few passes. The spine actually looks like the wear is slightly wavy, I didn't notice it before because I was using 1 layer of tape for protection. Any way of fixing this if it is the cause?

My guess is you need to fix the spine and then the bevel will set. Just keep going but check frequently to be sure to stop just when the bevel is set, no need to waste more steel than necessary.

The magic marker test will show you alot as previously stated, but one thing I find that helps if a razor if giving me problems with bevel setting and I have been at it for awhile is to set it down and walk away. I would give it a couple of days and try it again with fresh eyes. I found that if I spend too much time on any razor for too long at one time things just keep getting worse. Take a break and let your mind and hands relax for awhile.

What stone are you using for the 1K level?

I would try using straight strokes up and down the hone with equal light pressure and see what happens, as said the marker is a great tool.

Originally Posted by 62belair

I actually did the magic marker test, although admittedly the first time I've done it, it appeared to evenly remove the marker in just a few passes. The spine actually looks like the wear is slightly wavy, I didn't notice it before because I was using 1 layer of tape for protection. Any way of fixing this if it is the cause?

If you are using 1 layer of tape the the spine wear becomes a non-factor unless it is really bad which means you might need two layers or even it up on the hone then re-tape..

Something I have written many times,

When you hit a brick wall honing first as JS pointed out, step away and take a breath Then when you sit back down change something, don't just keep grinding away at the metal the same way if it ain't working..

Add slurry / Subtract slurry
Add Tape / Subtract tape
Go up a Stone / Go down a stone
Change the strokes, go from X, to heel forward to Swoops, to Japanese, to a 60 degree heel forward side slide, or even circles again.. but change them up and see what the steel does..

You have to get the steel to react in a positive way, and sooner or later the entire edge has to ride over those stones evenly...