Setting a bevel on an AOS TI

Hi all,

I have been struggling for the past week to get a bevel on my TI, and I was hoping that the fine folks of SRP might be able to lend some advice.

I started shaving with a straight back in June and since have become quite proficient. I received the Naniwa Super Stone 5k, 8k and 12k set for Christmas and after a thorough lapping of each, I was able to put a nice touch up on my Dovo spike point (that was originally honed by Lynn) using his circle method on the 5k and then some more x-strokes on the the 5k, 8k, and 12k. I am very conscientious of my technique and I thought I got a pretty good edge on the Dovo for my first attempt.

Well now I am moving on to my TI and it has been a beast thus far. My TI was sharpened by a local knife sharpening service when I was just starting and didn't know that it should be exclusively honed. It was less then a great job. So I bought the Norton 220/1k combo from SRD, and after lapping down the 1k side, I decided to give it a whirl at setting the bevel. So far I have had no success at getting even a hint of a decent edge. I have put the razor through a ton of circles on the 1k and it still won't pass the thumb nail test or even cut through forearm hair. As I understand it, the carbon steel that makes up my TI blade is likely the c135 steel and it is quite tough to put an edge on.

I was wondering if ya'll might be able to give me an idea of what I could do to put a good bevel on the TI.

Thanks!

bnb

From what I have heard about knife sharpening services, you may have been starting with a VERY dull razor. I have also found that bevel setting on the TI's can be rather slow. And, IMO, the Norton 1k is on the slow side.

Assuming that your honing is alright, I'd say just take it a bit at a time (to avoid frustration) and keep at it. Maybe tape the spine, to reduce the wear (if the knife people did a bad job).

A photo might aid in providing a guess-timate at where the blade is now.

Thanks holli! I'll try and find a camera to take a pic and upload it tomorrow

First rule of honing, when learning to hone...use tape!

Man, knife guys and straights are a scary combination that I will not get into right now...kinda like water & oil when it comes to a shave ready razor.

Now, to the meat of the matter. TI's are nice and hard razors. They take a bit of time setting the bevel. Honestly not the easiest razor to learn honing on, give it a few tries yourself...using tape...and if you can't get it PM me & I'll get it right for you.