Thread: Worked-Out Spine/Bevel

Hey guys, sorry if this question is a little obvious, but I just wanted to make sure: am I right that the sign of a worked-out spine is that flat bevel-like line across the edge of the spine? And does it usually go along with a wider bevel-width? I often see these with a smile, too, especially at the toe. Are there other signs to look for? Maybe it looks a little different on a wedge? Here's an example of what I'm *thinking* is a typical worked-out spine:

Thanks, guys, as always--

The flat areas are from wear, but that razor doesn't have much wear. The width will depend on both the grind and the amount of wear. The even ness from the shoulder to the tip is a good sign, it means the razor was properly honed over its lifetime. That looks like it was originally a round point, and it looks to me like a previous owner honed up onto the point a bit so it would be shavable. Not inherently good or bad, it just is.

I've never heard the expression "worked-out" before, but that razor has plenty more shaving years to give.

Thanks holli - I saw Lynn use that phrase recently.... So, what are the indicators of too much wear-down on the spine, then? A much wider flat area along the spine than on this Robeson?

Here's another example of what I'm thinking of:

That Henckels does have significantly more wear at the toe than the rest of the blade. I personally wouldn't put that one high on my "to-hone" list and I wouldn't buy her unless it was for the scales, but you could make her shave ready if you wanted to.

I avoid excessive wear at the toe or heal, excessive wear over the whole blade, large "frowns," large chips, pitted/rusted edges, and other stuff too, I'm sure.

Hmm thanks. But just to be clear: you're saying the problem lies more with the smiling toe than with the wear on the spine?

Well, the excessive wear at the toe on the spine matches the excessive wear to the edge - they go hand in hand because, when the razor lays on the hone, metal is removed from the edge and the corrosponding area on the spine at the same time and at the same rate (give or take). Typically, the word "smile" is used to describe a razor whose whole edge is curved, from toe to heal; I wouldn't say that razor has a smile to it. Maybe a lopsided grin, though ;-p

Well I had a dog bite me on my mouth when I was a kid, so my smile is one-sided. Guess I apply that to everything Anyways, I'm on the same page with you about the even wear, but aside from the "lopsided grin" at the tow, I guess I thought that it can be harder to determine the wear at the edge, because the bevel can be "refreshed," plus the bevel width depends on the degree of hollowing. So I thought one looks to the wear on the spine to see how much the spine is worn/worked out - which, as I undestand it, is a problem because it decreases the angle of the edge. Thanks again.

If the spine and the edge are worn together, then the angle should, I think, stay pretty constant. Also, thicker grinds will usually have wider bands at the edge and the spine, and hollower grinds will usually be tinner an the edge and the spine.

Resetting the bevel won't start you off with a thin band of wear, no matter what you do (unless you apply tons of tape to the spine or regrind the blade). As a general rule, bevels (and hone wear on the spine) will only get wider.

Hmm. So are you saying that the wear, then is mostly just a cosmetic thing? (other than the smiles and grins) Or am I missing something? ALso, while we're on the subject, what the hell is going on with this steel below? Thanks again for your help. Holli.

Yes, wear is mostly cosmetic, unless it is excessive. Excessive wear will change the way the razor shaves and make it harder to hone, and less desirable. If everyone could only have one razor or if numbers were limited, I'm sure people would use really worn down razors, but since you don't have to there is no need to. At least that's how I see it.

That looks like pitting to me. Pitting develops under rust, as the steel is eaten away.