Thread: Shave test and honing

Bart, the 12k is part of the pyramid. You finish with it, do your stropping routine, then shave test it.
If you don't like the results, determine how to adjust from there.

I personally would get a shave ready edge on the stones first, then experiment with another razor with your diamond spray. Compare the two,,,,mix things up if you want to,,,, but achieve a good shave with the 12k first, JMO.

U say its part of the pyramid correct, the pyramid i learned from here only used the 4/8 k norton how do I include the 12 k in the pyramid ..sorry for the repeat post

The 12k is your finisher, right??, it's the last stone applied to the pyramid process that you used to reach it.
I do not have a 12k, so I will use my Shapton 16k as an example to you; after I have reached an edge with my 8k that I like, I apply a set of 15 to 20 strokes with my 16K, strop & test.
But,,
I have learned through trial & error what amount of strokes on the 16k, gets me my results on different types of razors.
You must learn how your 12k cuts , through this process of trial & error.

Ty brother ... Are u doing pyramids or u have learned when its time to progress without the pyramids..

If your asking me,,,,I evaluate each razor before I even break out particular stones. Some only need a single stone to get that shave back.
Some require a bevel reset, others a light pyramid cycle, others I move straight up through the progressions without a pyramid method.

The razor & it's condition, tells me what stones to use. I don't predetermine the stones that will be used.
This process is O.K. if you are fortunate enough to have several types of stones.
If you are limited in your hones, then you may have to be creative.
Let the razor dictate the hone used.

I do this and it takes much less time than having a hone right there why you are shaving (if you like to do this though- that's cool with me):

I just keep a simple notebook on my desk and score each razor/shave. I rate the shave on a scale of 1-10 and when I get an 7.5-8.5 I try Crox and/or diamond spray on felt to touch up. A 7 gets the 16K or another finishing stone first, etc... A 10.0 has to be BBS and 1 less pass than normal to get there and very smooth. So it looks something like this:

Shave roll; black
Day:
Mon;9.0
Tue; 9.5
Wed; 8.0
etc...

Then when I have time to do the touch ups or find a razor that is beyond touch ups and needs to be re-honed;I can then do this at a more convenient time and when I can concentrate on it. I don't like to combine honing with shaving. That is, unless I'm shave testing.

PS; Here is my typical approach. Where I start depends upon the condition of the edge:

1) bevel set (Chosera 1,000)
20 circles each side (medium pressure)- repeat
25 X strokes medium pressure
test; can I shave arm hair? if not, add 20 x strokes and re-test
Note; I will usually "re-hone" a razor once, maybe twice, but then always to back and reset the bevel. It just seems to work better this way vs honing ad infinitum

2) bevel finish/honing (Shapton 4,000 GS)
20 circles medium pressure each side with 5 X strokes- repeat
test; shave arm hair easily
3) hone/polish pyramid (Shapton 8K/16K)
5/5,3/3,1/3,1/5
test; pick up arm hair mid length
4) final polish
Either; A; 10 strokes Crox on felt, 20 strokes, 0.25 diamond on felt
or B; Zulu Grey; 3 sets of 25 circles +25 X strokes on water only
test; mid hair pop
5) Strop on leather; 100X

This all varies but is a basic guideline I use