Thread: Razor 911

Unfortunately, the toe came like that. I got this razor from Japan Woodworker. It was listed as Blue Paper steel...I paid $230.00. Here is the most embarrassing admission. I had originally sent this razor to Lynn and Co. at SRD to get shave ready. I received the razor in shave ready condition from SRD, which is what I paid for. It shaved for the first few days, then after I took it to the linen strop I just received from Tom Nagura and it seemed to DULL the edge....what the heck?!

That's when I proceeded to take it back to the hone...Naniwa SS 1k–I have the 1k 5k 10k & 12k. Of course not sure if I did or did not lap my stones properly or sufficiently. What you see is the result...not sure if I was putting too much pressure on the blade?!

I really need some guidance, was I supposed to treat the linen with something before stropping?! I thought I was more knowledgeable than this.

Please send it to someone familiar with honing Japanese blades and see if they can't re set the bevel and bring it back to par.

Originally Posted by P8TRIOT

Here are some pics

Ooooooo!!!! Looks like someone tried to freehand that on a grinding wheel!!!!!

Originally Posted by P8TRIOT

Unfortunately, the toe came like that. I got this razor from Japan Woodworker. It was listed as Blue Paper steel...I paid $230.00. Here is the most embarrassing admission. I had originally sent this razor to Lynn and Co. at SRD to get shave ready. I received the razor in shave ready condition from SRD, which is what I paid for. It shaved for the first few days, then after I took it to the linen strop I just received from Tom Nagura and it seemed to DULL the edge....what the heck?!

That's when I proceeded to take it back to the hone...Naniwa SS 1k–I have the 1k 5k 10k & 12k. Of course not sure if I did or did not lap my stones properly or sufficiently. What you see is the result...not sure if I was putting too much pressure on the blade?!

I really need some guidance, was I supposed to treat the linen with something before stropping?! I thought I was more knowledgeable than this.

I would say your stropping technique killed the edge in the sense of rolling the edge to make it dull. You will not really see that but you will certainly notice and feel it the next shave.

Really there is no pressure when honing. Mainly blade weight for the most part but there is some light pressure but not much I assure you.

I would look to folks near you to attend a meet to get tips and actual hands on honing through the progression for valuable assistance. It will certainly pay off for sure.

Just because the wear looks uneven is not an indication for a regrind. It's most likely uneven looking because the blade had a warp or some sort of unevenness. When it was properly honed, those high spots were knocked down leaving a resulting even bevel (with un-even looking wear). Because Lynn was able to hone it and it shaved well is proof of this.

I agree with Michael70 that the stropping probably killed the edge. I am a big fan of the fire hose because it works so well but if improper technique is used, it can also knock down an edge. I believe then taking it to the stones further exacerbated the situation. If it was honed and shaved well before, it can be brought back there again.

what did it look like when it came back from SRD
I think the back looks ok still
but the front looks like you heavy handedly over honed it with uneven pressure "using I don't know what system" as the Kamisori honing technique puts about a 7-10:1 ratio for honing back to front sides to minimize the wear on the front

if the edge was right to start with by Lynn & the guys even if badly stropped would have only needed a light honing

put it in the lessons learnt bucket & send back to Lynn & the guys to get it back on track
if you have trouble stropping maybe you shouldn't be honing yet JMHO

I personally found when 1st using a Kamisori that it was better to use the strop on the bench to keep it flat as it feel a lot different when hanging

looks like a nice razor still

To me not knowing much about a Kamisori is that the bevel is large at the toe and heel. Not even throughout. Or at least mainly even set. But I must admit I have a few straights that under the scope are not consistent width along the edge.

It is just that your kami is very easily seen and all kami's I have seen have a pretty much uniform consistent bevel edge. I would send it back like folks have stated to Lynn to get back on track. Seriously though, post a thread for folks in your area to respond to for a get together advertising for those who are accomplished honers to teach the trade to you. I have found that the razor community is more than happy to meet and teach and even hone for free! This is the best bunch of folks you could meet. Plus it will greatly serve you in your endeavors to become accomplished as well at honing. Then one day you can pay it forward.

Here is a picture I found online that has a great picture of the bevel. As you will see I think this kami for the most part has a uniformed width bevel along the entire edge for the most part. I assume a kami is no different for the most part like a str8. This is why your kami to me looked way off with that heel being so pronounced. Check the link below for the picture of this bevel.

http://jenesrazors.com/wp-content/ga...i/img_9866.jpg

I know you will get it worked out and please post back when you do. I am curious as to what is discovered as the culprit. But I would suspect the first was heavy handed stropping that rolled the edge at first then it was downhill from there. But you are in good company, we have all done this!!!!

Is there a video you guys can recommend with a good hone progression that may be well suited for my kami?

Originally Posted by P8TRIOT

Is there a video you guys can recommend with a good hone progression that may be well suited for my kami?

This one from Glen may help, its the only one I know of but since I dont play with kamisori I havent really looked into the subject.

There is a Part 2 also.