Thread: Following the 1k with the 4k

After bevel setting on the 1k how long would one need to use the 4k before moving on to the 8k? Once I leave the 1k stone can I simply move to the 4k/8k pyramid technique or do I need to stay on the 4k for a while before doing so? I'm sure there are a lot of nuances here but as a general rule what do you guys do?

If you are absolutely sure the bevel is set, and you are going to use the pyramid method, then you can go straight to the 4k and start your pyramid. Myself, I go to a 5k, it works the same as a 4k, 3k, 6k, whatever; I would do about 20-30 laps total. I start w/ the slurry from a quick 4 or 5 figure eights on the stone to clear any dried swarf. I do about 10 laps w/ the slurry, then dilute every 5 until it's just water, then go to my 8k and do the same, then 15 on my 12k water only,and done.

So I assume that you do NOT use the pyramid progression. I use a 4k and 8k with the following:
15/15, 10/10, 5/5, 3/3, 1/3, 1/5
By figure eights you mean you actually run figure eights with the razor? Leading with both the blade and the spine depending on where you are in the figure eight? I just want to make sure I got that right.

How important is it to have a 12k? I have the Norton kit with the 240, 1k, 4k, and 8k. Should I seriously consider a 12k?

Sorry, should have clarified...I take a 325grit diamond plate and do a very quick light lapping of every stone before I hone to clean them and make sure they are true (that's the figure eight laps not the razor). You can use the pyramid method if it suites you, I just personally go from one stone to the next instead of jumping back and forth between the 4k and 8k like the pyramid calls for. The 12k isn't necessary, you can shave off the 8k and stropping when done right. The 12k just lends more "smoothness" to the shave for me, it won't make it any sharper. Anything 8k and above is just polishing the blade and smoothing out any microscopic "teeth" on the blade, you really aren't making the razor "sharper" then, just refining the edge really.

Thanks for clarifying, I was about to really hose my razor! I currently have the Norton flattening stone of which I have mixed feelings. I really am considering getting something else such at a diamond plate.

I really love my DMT 325, worth every penny. I use it to set a pre-bevel on razors that have just been restored, then set the actual bevel on my 1k naniwa, helps speed the process up a bit. SRD has the lowest price if you decide to get one...I looked everywhere, and they were upwards of $75 everywhere else, but lynn and don had them for $55 maybe less I believe. The pyramid is a good system for first timers b/c it gives you set numerical values, but once you have done more honing, you will learn to watch how the water rides the edge of the blade, and the feel of the steel on the stone to help you make corrections, or tell you when you've done enough laps...practice and patience my friend.

depends on the stone and the razor and the technique.
It would be best to have some kind of test that will let you know when to move on.
Some people like to test on leg hair, some like TPT, some use a scope or a loupe to see where the refinement of the bevels/edge is.
As far as pyramid, just experiment, you are not going to ruin your razor.

So I can actually order a DMT 325 here? Would I do that in the classified section?

Originally Posted by spinsheet

So I assume that you do NOT use the pyramid progression. I use a 4k and 8k with the following:
15/15, 10/10, 5/5, 3/3, 1/3, 1/5
By figure eights you mean you actually run figure eights with the razor? Leading with both the blade and the spine depending on where you are in the figure eight? I just want to make sure I got that right.

How important is it to have a 12k? I have the Norton kit with the 240, 1k, 4k, and 8k. Should I seriously consider a 12k?

Once your bevel is set with the 1K, the pyramid starting at 15 on the Norton 4K/8K should work well. I would strop and test shave after the pyramid. You can always do 7-10 no pressure X strokes after the pyramid, but it's good to know where the razor is before you go to the finishing stone.

Have fun.