Thread: Identifying a convex bevel caused by extensive pasted stropping

I feel compelled to add my two cents on the subject. I actually studied how to sharpen tools as an apprentice cabinetmaker in Norway some 40 years ago. We had classes in theory and had to grind all our tools and hone them to "shaving" condition. I sharpen wood working hand tools and carving tools almost every day. I own every contraption to sharpen tools that you can imagine. I'm a bit OCD on sharp tools.

Things that affect the blades ability to perform as required included the shape of the bevel, the degree of polish and the angle. Qualities of the steel, not just hardness, were also addressed. A knife edge, an axe edge can be extremely sharp but require some amount of curve or secondary bevel. This allows more control, as a flat edge will act as a wedge and dig deeper into the material your cutting. A woodworking chisel must be completely flat, a wood carving chisel must have some roundness to it so it does not dig. IMO a bit of secondary bevel is not a bad thing as long as the actual bevel does not become to obtuse. This can happen if using abrasive pastes on a hanging strop, but that is more an effect of technique. If you strop with your razor at 90 degrees, then the natural flex of the strop will round the edge. Stropping at an angle closer to 30 degrees will reduce the effect and keep the edge flatter. If no strop is used a micro bevel can be achieved buy applying some thin tape on the back edge of the razor. In effect, it's the same thing you will get by stropping correctly.

To confirm theory with practice I have used one razor, every day, for the last year. It was freshly honed on Japanese water stones before I started. After every shave I strop it on pasted linen for twenty strokes or so (i don't alway count, sometimes I just sing a song) then I strop on plain leather for 30 to 40 strokes. Using the angle technique described I see no evidence of "over stropping" as described on these pages. My Razor passes every test I have seen on these pages and shaves great. That said, I can do the same thing on a hone if I wish. I think it takes more skill and is a hassle, but if that works, enjoy