Thread: Uneven Bevel

I am honing a ebay razor with a smiling edge. I started on 1K sandpaper then moved to a Norton 4/8K stone. I am used an X pattern on both the hone and the sand paper with the heel leading. One side of the blade has a nice even bevel, but the other side does not. On the uneven side the bevel is much fatter tward the middle of the blade. What could be causing this; and how can I corret the wide spot in the bevel? Do I have to start over back on the 1K sandpaper with circles or something to even out the bevel on the one side?

Uneven bevels are created by uneven pressure.

I am careful how I place my thumb and forefinger during honing so that both sides receive about the same pressure. My thumb goes on the blade side on top of the shank and my forfinger contacts the spine side underneath. It's a slightly different grip either way, but it provides the same torque in both directions.

I also use what we call the Rolling Hone method which is essential for 'smiling' blades. As you progress along the honing stroke gradually, gently and evenly roll the point of contact from the heel up through the body of the blade to the tip at the end of the stroke. Do the same for the other side.

I think you should go to the 1k until the bevel is evened out.

X

Sometimes an uneven spine will also cause an uneven bevel. However, in most cases it is uneven pressure.

It only takes a few seconds to check for a spine problem.

Slap the razor on something flat (like your hone) and hold it up to a light and check for light under the spine. If there is light showing under the spine then flip it over and see if it's even on both sides.