Thread: Problem razor?

Hi everyone. I have this "29 Kabeso solengen" razor that I just can't seem to get shave ready. I'm using my norton combo, x pattern now (found I get more even results) and even a .5 pasted paddle strop. I've tried light pressure, moderate pressure, and pretty much everything and I'm starting to think the razor just isn't capable of taking a shaving edge. I'm fairly new to honing but I honestly can't figure it out. I've already started over (back honed) several times. Now I'm just going at it on the 8k and checking often but it just won't get any sharper! BTW, it does shave, but not well. Kinda jumps around and pulls. Any thoughts from the masters? Thanks..

1) Did you lap your hone?
2) If it won't give you a pull-free shave right off the hone, there's no point in taking it to the paste.

Yes, I've actually lapped my stone several times since I've been using it so much in the process of learning. I don't think that's the problem but maybe. I've been reading an interesting thread though about getting the razor hht sharp off the 4k. For some reason I like the sound of that because it does seem like I get the sharpness from the 4k and polish the rough edge on the 8k. I can actually feel that on the 8k. It really doesn't seem to get a whole lot sharper on the 8k. Anyways what do I know...I'm going to try it tonight though. Do you think I should do any backhoning before going on the 4k again..thanks,

Dustin

Perhaps you'd be interested in thoughts from the peanut gallery? I don't know how many razors you've honed so far but here are my thoughts.

One, get a microscope and see whats happening. I suspect once you see the results of your work you'll figure it out.

Two, do not use moderate pressure at this point.

Three, go slow and focus on your stroke. Remember same angle, pressure, and distance on each side of the blade.

Add an occasional 4K pass just to keep it interesting.

Where on earth did you get that razor, could it be a sucky steel?

Company .... gotta go for now.

Dustin,

I find that when a razor gets really sharp but not quite sharp enough, the problem is that the edge isn't perfect. If you look at one of these edges under a microscope, parts of it will look smooth and straight and there will be little inconsistencies in the edge--valleys that aren't quite microchips. It's hard to describe.

If I were you I'd take the razor back to the 4000-grit stone for some light, even strokes. Maybe 50 laps, then take it back up to shaving sharp. (Some guys will say that's too much metal to take off, but I find sometimes it's necessary.)

If the edge isn't perfect, you'll never get it as sharp as you want it.

Try what Alan suggested first, though. He knows his stuff.

Good luck,
Josh

Also, getting a microscope as suggested helps the learning process. Walk into any Radio Shack and ask for the 60-100X pocket microscope. It costs $10. Use it to examine the blade after working it on the 4K stone. Keep honing if you see small nicks in the edge.

Pay attention to the size of the scratch marks the 4K makes on the metal. When you go to the 8K work it for a few laps and then look at the edge again. You'll notice the difference in the scratches between the 4K stone and the 8K stone. Once all the 4K scratches are gone, you should be in business.

I've found that after getting the blade where it needs to be on the 4K, I'll have success with about 10 laps on the 8K with moderate pressure followed by 10 laps with light pressure followed by between 5 and 10 laps with practically zero pressure on the blade other than what is needed to keep it flat on the stone. We're talking the weight of the blade, practically.

And then take it to the .5 paste... Which I actually don't have because I'm waiting for my new bench hone and paste. I have to settle for plain leather stropping after the 8K stone.

I got real frustrated too at points and it probably took me about 12-16 hours over the course of a few nights sitting at the kitchen table with my stones and razors for the pieces to finally fall into place. Once that happens, you'll be a happy camper and then you'll be on to perfecting your technique to get the edge even sharper.

You might also want to buy a blade from one of the guys like Lynn, Bill, Joe, or some others to have a bench mark for sharpness.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by easyrider23

I have this "29 Kabeso solengen" razor.

Does it say anywhere on the razor where it's made? If you bought it new, it could be a Paki. They like to use deceptive names like that. The Pakistani steel is so bad you can't get an edge on it. And if you just happen to luck out, you can't keep the edge.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Still no luck though. I did some research though and could not find any info on the razor. Checked the uniclectica site as well as a few others. It says made in germany 29 kabeso Becker and Brabender Solingen. Anyone ever heard of this? FYI, I have removed a lot of steel (1000k paper) from it due to the fact that it had some chips. I have also used a dremmel to polish some of the corrosion off of it as well. Maybe either of these could have somehow messed up the semetry of the blade? Thanks again guys, you've been a great help over the last year or so when I joined..still using the Dovo that I had Lynn sharpen for me and doing well

Dustin