Thread: Antique Gartian razor question

I think in the olden days they were just tools to shave with. Now they are precious treasures of times long gone (at least to me they are). Taping protects the razor from excessive wear where it is not necessary as well as preserving the shape. It is a good idea to tape especially when honing out nicks or bringing a dull blade back to shaving sharpness. I think Magpi's advice (even his somewhat caustic humor) is well taken. I will tape her during all of her future hones and any additional oldies if I am fortunate enough to get them.

Remember that, on a wedgy blade, the edge of the tape closest to the edge defines the angle. Meaning that the tape must be the same distance from the edge on both sides. I usually use two pieces of tape, one per side, to assure that the location if the edges are able to assure the angles are equal.
~Richard

Tim, how fine a hone do you have, most knives top off where razor begin?

And yes do use at least a layer of tape, maybe 2 to start.

You will want to use a Rolling X stroke to hone the whole blade and blend the edge. Check the Library and there are several good YouTube videos.

Nice find, Welcome.

Thanks to both Geezer and Euclid for the input. One of the reasons I use the tape that I am using, a 1/4" wide Teflon backed tape is it is easier to get straight on the blade, one strip on each side. That is a good point about the edge of the tape defining the angle. I will remember that. As for the hones I use, for the razor if it is really dull and has nicks, I start with an Arkansas hard, about 1200 on the Norton scale, I move up to 8000 then use compounds to 15000 then strop. Does that sound right? It seems to me anytime you are having to grind out nicks it takes a more coarse stone than I would normally use. When I am doing a refresh I start with 3000 and go up.

That will work, what compound are you using?

Some can be harsh even at high grits.

I don't have them here right now, but I think the red one is a jewelers rough at .5 micron and the other is a 1 micron but I am guessing. I also have some iron oxide that is pretty fine. I use stuff like that I use at work to polish metal samples for microscopy examination on the SEM. That is my 8 hour a day hobby that pays the bills.