Thread: Pyramid

When honing on a Norton 4k/8k, do you normally do the entire pyramid (9 sets) or do you test after each set and stop when needed?

It really depends on how sharp the edge is before being taken to the Norton. However, if it's not popping SOME hairs before you take it to the hone, chances are you will need to do at least one full pyramid.

I use the Thumb(pad) Test very regularly and HHT any time I like toward the end of the Pyramid.

X

Steve,

I don't stick to the pyramid progression every time I hone. It depends on how sharp the razor is, like Firestart said.

If I have a razor that's really, really dull, I usually work it on the 4K side alone for a while, using some light pressure. My goal is to get the edge to pass the hanging hair test off of the 4K side before I start trying to smooth it out on the 8K. I check my progress with my microscope every 20 to 30 strokes. You'll start to see how the edge develops. Mainly you're looking for an even bevel that goes right to the edge and no bright shiny line along the edge. (That's a wire edge.) Lighten up on the pressure once you think you're getting close, and the edge will develop quickly.

Once you feel like you have a good bevel formed, you can start your pyramids. If the razor's popping hairs off of the 4K, then it may only need the lower end of the pyramid--3-5s and 1-5s.

I don't usually do pyramids, though. I use AFDavis's approach, which is to get the razor popping hairs off the 4K, then do 25 strokes on the 8K with enough pressure to be sure the razor stays flat. Then I do five strokes with as light a pressure as I can manage without letting the razor loose contact with the hone.

Then I do a HHT. Sometimes I'll do another five strokes light strokes or so. This might not work for everyone, but it works well for me. I consistently get a shave-ready edge with this technique, and it hasn't yet produced a wire edge for me.

It did take me a few months of experimenting to get to this point, though.

The best thing you can do is test very frequently and look at the edge with your microscope a lot. You'll speed up your learning that way.

Good luck,
Josh

Test after each set and stop whenever you want and then shave test. This is how you will learn.