Thread: So what now!?

Hi guys- rookie honer here needs your advice. I just "honed" 2 razors. I used a 1k chosera to set the bevel, a 3k/8k pyramid off of the naniwa super stones, then I did 25 x strokes on a nani ss, finally finishing up with 50 x's on a roughly 16k shoubudani jnat. Then I did 50 strokes on suede and 100 strokes on smooth leather strop. Now, they both shaved hair off of the chosera so I'm pretty sure the bevels set. However, they both fail the hanging hair test and neither one pops hair effortlessly. What do I do now? Wait and do a shave test or take them back to the stones? If the latter, then which stone and for roughly how many x strokes? I'm getting pretty frustrated bc it just doesn't seen to be clicking for me and honing is no more therapeutic, now it's a mission! So what advice do y'all have for me? Any and all responses are welcome, and thanks in advance for all advice!
Tony

I would do a test shave, or at least try shaving some hair on your arm.

My advice generally to a "rookie honer" would be not to expect too much too soon. That leads to frustration. If it were me, I'd assess the edge with a bright light and a 10X loupe to see if the bevel is properly set. If you have a good edge resulting from a complete bevel set, then the edge should be essentially invisible under bright light. If it reflects light, then the bevel is not completely set. Part of learning how to hone is being able to assess the edge and see what it needs. Without that established, it's like heading for a destination without knowing what your starting point is.

Originally Posted by TonyFranciozi

I would do a test shave, or at least try shaving some hair on your arm.

I did shave my arm- nearly bald from wrist to elbow but it's not popping hairs, it just doesn't seem 100% effortless, but I think you're right I should probably test shave. I will say that it does pass the tpt test, for whatever thats worth! Thanks Tony. What does everyone else think?

Originally Posted by ace

My advice generally to a "rookie honer" would be not to expect too much too soon. That leads to frustration. If it were me, I'd assess the edge with a bright light and a 10X loupe to see if the bevel is properly set. If you have a good edge resulting from a complete bevel set, then the edge should be essentially invisible under bright light. If it reflects light, then the bevel is not completely set. Part of learning how to hone is being able to assess the edge and see what it needs. Without that established, it's like heading for a destination without knowing what your starting point is.

Thanks ace, though I did not use a jewelers loop, the edge does not seem to reflect light to the naked eye. I will check with the loop when I can find it! Thanks again!

I would shave with it as the final test and go from there when deciding if it is good enough or needs more work.

Bob

My advice would be to put away the SS and the JNAT.

Until you get good shaves off the 8K, you are kidding yourself with finer hones.

I'd not be overly concerned with HHT unless you are using it to gauge uniformity of the edge.

Where did you get the grit rating on your JNAT?

Not trying to be a jerk...just sharing that ****I**** learned a lot by shaving off the 8K. Higher grits aren't always and while the SS is a fantastic hone, it won't help an edge that wasn't ready to come off the 8K.

Edit to add:

Some good magnification will do wonders for you. Until you see what is going on (and even this takes some experience in many cases) it can be difficult. It really is not too different from sweeping a floor in the dark....either you severely under- or over-do it.

When you know what to look for and see your work approach the apex...and see the impact of the slightest accidental wiggle in your stroke, a lot of things start to click.

Sharpening anything can be tough because you are working at a level below what you can see...razors exemplify this statement.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by unit

My advice would be to put away the SS and the JNAT.

Until you get good shaves off the 8K, you are kidding yourself with finer hones.

I'd not be overly concerned with HHT unless you are using it to gauge uniformity of the edge.

Where did you get the grit rating on your JNAT?

Not trying to be a jerk...just sharing that ****I**** learned a lot by shaving off the 8K. Higher grits aren't always and while the SS is a fantastic hone, it won't help an edge that wasn't ready to come off the 8K.

I hear ya unit, I was actually just reading some of your honing posts to other guys and it's consistent with everything you're telling me. Just one more- all of my stones accept the 1k are ss's. As far as the grit rating goes on the jnat, I'm getting that from where I purchased it, but I may be off a but- the guy told me it was gonna be better than a 12k so me saying 16 is really just a shot in the dark. It's actually higher than a 12k, let's just say that. I don't think you're being a jerk- you just gave me some really sound advice- thanks!

Originally Posted by anthogia

I hear ya unit, I was actually just reading some of your honing posts to other guys and it's consistent with everything you're telling me. Just one more- all of my stones accept the 1k are ss's. As far as the grit rating goes on the jnat, I'm getting that from where I purchased it, but I may be off a but- the guy told me it was gonna be better than a 12k so me saying 16 is really just a shot in the dark. It's actually higher than a 12k, let's just say that. I don't think you're being a jerk- you just gave me some really sound advice- thanks!

Cool! (I edited to add some more).

The last thing I want to do is come off as an arrogant Dbag. Honing is tricky, but (in my opinion) a hugely rewarding adventure.

Like bob said I'm gonna try to shave BEFORE I get myself frustrated- for all I know I could've done a great job( though I highly doubt it!). If not I'm going to take them back to the 8k and follow your advice unit until I'm ready to progress. I really wanna learn but I guess I gotta learn to walk before I can run- after all, Rome wasn't built in a day! It's silly of me to think id get it so quickly I guess.