Example of temper loss?

[gadavier]

I don't remember ever posting here before, but I've been reading off and on for quite some time. Well it seems that after many successful Ebay razor acquisitions over the years, I've finally come across the infamous razor who has lost it's temper. It didn't scream at me or anything, but this puppy does not shave longer than a minute, even after setting the bevel 3 times, thinking I could eventually get to good steel. Well I think this one will be filed under "lost cause". This is the result, over and over again, trying to set the bevel on the 1K:



This must be the micro chipping I've been hearing so much about. I'm not sure how this will show up, but on my computer, it clearly shows indentations in the edge.

And then after pushing lightly with my thumb nail:



Looks like a crater in the edge. Is there some magic bullet for re-hardening the steel of my worst Ebay purchase ever?

[gssixgun]

What brand of razor is that ????

[Lemur]

Looks scary!
How did you take the pics?

[mjsorkin]

That's really interesting. Great pics too.

Michael

[regularjoe]

I'd also be interested to hear what brand of razor it is. As well as a photograph of a razor (edge) with good temper subjected to the same thumbnail press. Thanks very much for posting!

[Galaxy51]

Very nice pics.
I wish I had the capability of using photography with my microscope.
Concerning the thumbnail damage, I was able to do similar damage to an old Gillette stainless steel double edge blade using a fingernail.
My microscope showed that the old Gillette had been used, abused, and put away wet as it had a few rust spots on it. I could find no evidence of microchipping.
I am not convinced that your blade has lost its temper. One other possibility is that the blade is an inferior grade of steel.
Concerning chipping, I have had more difficulty in getting a smooth shave with old Ebay specials that have come to me with a lot of edge chipping versus others that have had a dull edge, but with no chipping.
I have been wondering if those easily chipped edges are the result of not enough tempering.
That would result in a harder steel that is more brittle and therefore more susseptable to chipping.
I have found that using less pressure and speed on the hone has less tendency to chip those edges, which leads me to beleive in the not enough tempering theory.
The whole chipping thing causes me concern. If I understand correctly, the more experienced honemeisters have found ways to work through the issue.

[gadavier]

The pics are from my Veho VMS-004 USB 400x scope, and the razor is a 5/8 W.H. Morley & Sons Clover Brand. This little scope may be part of the problem. TMI! For all I know, my 1K edges have always looked this way, I just could never see it before. I went ahead and continued honing the razor, regardless of what I was seeing, and this is the end result after my ozuku.

The edge cleaned up as I progressed thru the 4k and the 8k. I went straight to the jnat from the 8k. The edge was very keen and passing HHT like crazy, so I went ahead and shaved with it. It started out cutting like butter, but that only lasted for 3/4 of the way thru the first pass. The razir started out quite, but got louder and louder, and started pulling at the same time. After the first pass, I stropped, but that didn't seem to be very effective, as I had to grab another razor to finish my ATG pass. It seems like the razor can get an edge, but it just isn't durable.

I was suprised that such an old razor had almost no hone wear when I brought it. This blade may have been a dud from the day it was manufactured, and the first owner just did not use it. I wonder what the defect rate was in the 20's and 30's. I know it happens, because I once brought a new a TI damascus, and that thing would not get sharp worth anything. TI requested that I return it to France for analysis, and even their best guys couldn't put a decent edge on it. Their theory was that the steel was too hard, and the edge would get brittle as it approached a suitable sharpness. They ended up giving me 2 Thiers Pierce for compensation. Well anyway, there is something fishy going on with this Morley. Here'e the edge after the shave.