Thread: My first vintage. Not sure what to expect

dang that is a really nice razor

Boy Trondsi, I was I could see the razor and be there with you...I can imagine it's frustrating for you as well. I was going to say let me know what you think of the 10k Naniwa, but I think you have bigger problems. Was the razor "sharp" enough before going to the 10k? What stone are going to finish it on, if not the 10k? I would think the 12k Naniwa is perfect. I have neither, so I'm just hoping that you can render a hands on opinion as to the usefulness of a 10k Naniwa, or even the 12k, for that matter - which has had rave reviews. Please, keep this thread alive and keep us informed.

The razor was "sharpish", but with some nicks. The 1000k Naniwa is interesting. It is feels softer than the norton stones that I have tried (but sadly I don't have a Norton). It is easy to see the cutting action of this stone. Apart from the Naniwa, I have a very fine Chinese natural water stone for polishing.

The edge will probably start feeling sharp soon (as far as I can tell) but now I am getting worried about wearing down the spine. This is a wedge of course, so the spine is not as pronounced, and this is probably why it has now developed a quite wide polished-looking area. The only problem with it is that this is now starting to creep towards the engraved name on the blade. Perhaps I should tape the spine? I have tried this before, and it worked, but the glue from the tape was a mess to get rid of (maybe you guys can recommend an ideal tape to use)

Originally Posted by trondsi

The razor was "sharpish", but with some nicks. The 1000k Naniwa is interesting. It is feels softer than the norton stones that I have tried (but sadly I don't have a Norton). It is easy to see the cutting action of this stone. Apart from the Naniwa, I have a very fine Chinese natural water stone for polishing.

The edge will probably start feeling sharp soon (as far as I can tell) but now I am getting worried about wearing down the spine. This is a wedge of course, so the spine is not as pronounced, and this is probably why it has now developed a quite wide polished-looking area. The only problem with it is that this is now starting to creep towards the engraved name on the blade. Perhaps I should tape the spine? I have tried this before, and it worked, but the glue from the tape was a mess to get rid of (maybe you guys can recommend an ideal tape to use)

I recommend tape.

The glue can be removed with the tape you pull off. Just stick the tape's sticky side to the glue and you can pull most of the glue off. When finished, a bit oil will usually loosen what's left and you can wipe it off.

Thanks Wullie!
Yes, I think it's time to whip out the tape here.

ABSOLUTELY!!! You should use tape every, every, every (did I say every too many times yet) time. Just get ourself a pint (or quart if you're young and planning on living to 150) of mineral spirits; it's the best and easiest tape residue remover around. And, you should never hone a blade without taping it, it's very simply speaking, against nature. And your blades will love you for it!

Quick update:
OK. I taped it, and did some more honing on both stones. It now shaves. It does not pop hairs on my arm in mid-air (as I prefer), but I did shave part of the back of my wrist no problem. It is sharper in the middle, despite me using a "rolling" honing motion, but the toe and heel both cut moist hair.

I wonder if I should use the Chinese polishing stone alone from now on?

What was the last stone you used? If you are going straight from the Naniwa to the C12 you will be spending the rest of your life there, or so it will seem. But it can be done.... eventually.

I actually have no idea of the grit of my Chinese stone, but it is very fine. Finer than 8K, I think 10-12K is not far from it.
Having said that, I once sharpened a Dovo razor from being completely dull (as in not cutting anything) to viciously sharp cutting fine arm hairs in mid-air......on half the blade, with this stone. I know, not good, (this was when I sent it to SRD, as I lost my patience) but at least I know that it can do it.

Maybe I'll go a bit more back and forth between the 1K and the Chinese stone, but I think I am getting close.

Now the blade is cutting some of my arm hair in mid-air
After using my "homebrew" method (slurried strop) it pops some of the hairs from heel to toe, but it may be slightly sharper towards the toe (I could not quite get to the innermost part of the heal)

There is a slight bit of oxidation around the edges of the tape (or where it used to be). It doesn't come off easily. I am thinking of getting some metal polish and using q-tips. Sounds good?