Thread: Best way to hone this blade

I expect that it is near the original shape. As far as a honing strokes goes, it’s going to vary a bit from person to person. There are many roads to the perfect edge, and they are all correct. You may want to employ a magic marker to figure your stroke out. I would also go with two layers of tape. Those old wedges can take a considerable amount of time to get the bevel set when doing restoration honing. With that style of razor I start with a heel leading stroke and as I pass the middle of the hone the toe starts to sweep forward. You should watch Glen’s videos on honing a smiling wedge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEtb9k3APYM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DStkiyHB9PU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2dqBluDteQ

That should get you started on the right foot.

I was thinking the exact same as Rez. Heal leading with a swoop of the tip. 2 layers of tape for bevel set. Then check to see if with one layer of tape if the bevel gets wide or still stays thin. Thin is better and easier to hone. Extra wide make a lot more work. Also do the math and see what the angle of the bevel will be at 1 or 2 layers of tape. Most guys dont worry too much about this measurment but im just picky and want 17 to 18 degrees if possible. But its not always possible with near wedge razors.

So put 2 layers on it, mark the edge with a sharpie and give it two strokes. See what it looks like. The sharpie can really help to see what WILL happen before you spend the time and steal honing to compleation.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I expect that it is near the original shape.

Good, that was the main thing I wanted to know!

Originally Posted by RezDog

With that style of razor I start with a heel leading stroke and as I pass the middle of the hone the toe starts to sweep forward.
...
You should watch Glen’s videos on honing a smiling wedge. ... That should get you started on the right foot.

Having got the message that the profile can be kept, and that the blade should be honed as a smile, I went ahead last night. My internet was down, so I hadn't seen this post, I set the bevel with one layer of tape on the spine, and it is a nice fairly even bevel, not too wide. I'll watch the videos before I carry on to get me up to date. Actually the edge was pretty good for most of the length of the blade, but those rust spots near the toe which can be seen in the picture had eaten into the edge a little and needed to be honed out. I have honed one smiling blade before, and have to say it was the easiest hone I have ever done. Same with this blade, it WANTS to be honed!