Thread: one of the nicest to come through my hands

Originally Posted by johnmw1

Jason simply beautiful, and something we all can aspire to

Why is it important to sand perpendicular to the edge, as opposed to just sanding lengthwise down the blade? Is this where your sanding drums come into use with the dremel and you sand perpendicular to the edge while working along the length of the blade? I would have thought if you were just sanding by hand that sanding perpendicular would be a very difficult thing to do as opposed to sanding lengthwise.

Another question while I'm at it is in one of Vlad's restoration posts he mentioned about using Sterol instead of water for the wet and dry sanding process. He said it helped the cutting of the wet and dry better etc. But in other posts since I have seen mineral oil being used, is there any difference one way or another with Sterol or mineral oil?

Cheers
John

Like I said earlier in the thread, it isn't very important for the functioning of the razor, just the look. If you're after a satin finish, perpendicular can give it that fresh-ground look.

If you're not concerned with the aforementioned factor, then feel free to sand whichever way you please. When I was sanding by hand, I did sand across/parallel along the blade on occasion because it was easier. Though most of the time I still sanded the blade from spine to edge, just to imitate the look of the grind lines.

I've never tried sanding across the blade with my sanding drums, but I'm going to have to say it's easier sanding perpendicular with them because it can get into that spot on the shoulder without missing and nooks or crannies. That and the cylindrical shape of the mandrel just fits nicely along the profile of a hollow ground blade.

When I was sanding by hand, I on and off used water as the wet medium for the paper. It didn't seem to make a huge difference; it did seem to make the paper last a little longer, but for the amount of paper that's needed, it's not all that difficult or expensive just to cut a fresh piece. When I'm using my dremel drums, I just use them dry. I tried with water a few times, but the speed of the dremel just sprayed water all over the place and it rather quickly dried out. Again, just cutting a new drum when one started to wear out wasn't all that difficult or expensive either. I can't say anything about using sterol or mineral oil as the lubricant, all I ever used was water.

That is a Beauty I am drooling as well. Lucky!!

I got it in the mail today. She's absolutely gorgeous. The pictures don't do her justice. I can't wait to hone her up and give her a go.

Thanks Jason.

Always happy to be of service