Is it really that easy to chip a blade?

Hey guys,

I recently got a new 5/8 razor from SRD which I have shaved with 4 times with great results. However, I noticed today that my straight has a small nick in the blade catching my strop. Now I know I haven't dropped it or misused it. The only thing I can remember is I very slightly bumped it on the sink. So, my question is, are the carbon blades really that easy to put a nick in? Also, for those that are proficient in honing, what is a good starter set to fix this problem (nick in the blade)? I was thinking the norton 3 piece set. If you have a prefer method for honing can you provide a description or link? Thanks for your help in advance.

Yes,, it really is that easy :( Remember the very fine edge of the bevel or "Fin" is measured in fractions of a Micron on any razor made of any steel not just carbon..


The Norton set or the Naniwa Super Stone 1-3/8 are probably the most reccomended becasue there is more info out there on using them and so much help on here for them..

Plus we know they work :) and how they work

If you are thinking of either then you want to spend some time reading and watching in this thread the techniques in here work for both

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

A razor is the quintessential example of leading with your jaw. A razor especially its edge is an oh so fragile thing. Hitting the sink, tap etc. would definitely put a chip in it.

Thanks guys for the fast response! I will pick up the 3 piece set and let you know how it goes when I fix the edge. I was reading one of Lynn's articles and from that he said the 4K should fix the small nick. So, hopefully I won't mess it up haha. In the future I will be more careful not to bump the razor on anything.

Yes! Str8 razor blades are that fragile as the edge and a lot of the lower part of blade can be very thin, thus making them very easy to chip or crack.

A while back I bought a Hess 6/8 at a very reasonable price. In the process of cleaning with Mothers I didn't pay attention to the amount of pressure I was applying until "Ping", then it was too late. Yep, cracked the blade! I took a closer look and notice the majority of the blade was very thin. I still have the scales..................

Unfortunately they really are that easy to chip. My mother-in-law can chip a blade just by looking at it hard... :)

Regards,
Neil

Ahh yes! I have heard of chips occuring as simply going down the basement stair with razor in hand. Tiny changes in elevation, I suppose. :shrug:

If yo purchased it from SRD have you contacted them? I would see what they might do since you should be due a honing. Obviously this is a repair not a honing but they are magicians and very nice

if its your only razor save the money and send it to someone to fix, simple refresh is ok for inexperience ,, but I don't know that I would try a repair just yet ,, plus a lot cheaper than a set of hones for one razor ,, just my opinion good luck tc

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Ahh yes! I have heard of chips occuring as simply going down the basement stair with razor in hand. Tiny changes in elevation, I suppose. :shrug:

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To be fair Tom while I did fall down the steps with an open razor in my hand, the razor & myself survived blemish free.

Attachment 170790

I am the king of the crash test dummies.
Har!!!

Reassuring to know that your basement tripwires are more or less invisible, Tom... :)

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Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Reassuring to know that your basement tripwires are more or less invisible, Tom... :)

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Amazing what one can find as googling, Neil! ;)

It's only a small nick so I think a basic hone should fix it (hopefully). I will try fixing it myself first and if that doesn't work I'll send it to Lynn. Loved all the funny posts you guys put up.

If you're gonna fix it on your own be prepared to ruin it. You may not make it useless but you'll do some damage so beware. It is hard to hone at first and takes a lot of strokes or a great teacher on hand to get you going right. I would send it out for your second free honing and get a second cheaper razor to practice honing on. A gold dollar razor can even work if you fix the initial problems they generally have.

Here is an update for you guys who helped me. I bought the 1,5,8 and 12K Naniwa stones and after my very first honing I'm very happy with them. I just gave the razor a test shave with good results. Using Lynn's method made it a breeze to put a nice edge back on the blade. I do plan on doing the refresh pyramid tomorrow and using the 12K to give it that nice polish. And yes, I did shave off the 8K not the 12K today with good results. Even though fixing a chip isn't the ideal first time honing situation, thankfully it worked out. Looking forward to helping others in the future. Thanks again guys.

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Originally Posted by LawMac2011

Thanks guys for the fast response! I will pick up the 3 piece set and let you know how it goes when I fix the edge. I was reading one of Lynn's articles and from that he said the 4K should fix the small nick. So, hopefully I won't mess it up haha. In the future I will be more careful not to bump the razor on anything.

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Consider sending it to someone if you can find a taker...
Your location for shipping can prove important in finding a taker.

Removing a tiny nick is easy but a good edge to shave with
after removing the nick takes practice.

I am concerned that the nick is the expression of a more difficult
to manage crack. Three hones and something to lap them flat might
cost more than a professional repair and if needed a new budget razor.

The Norton 4K/8K combo is a work horse after lapping
half a millimeter from the factory new surfaces. Anytime you work with
multiple grits you want something to lap them all to the same
flat surface. I have never regretted purchasing my norton 4k/8k combo.
Once the initial half mm has been removed all you need to lap way
is about half a sheet of paper sort of thing.

Do use a gentle hand when honing so a tiny chip does not degrade
into something worse. Take your time....

A professional will have the added advantage
of returning to you a well honed edge to shave with.

And no I did not take my own advice....

Btw- to avoid further chips and dings you may want to consider using a sponge to wipe the blade. Many here have found this to be a blade saver since it keeps your razor away from the sink and faucet. Just a suggestion. Carry on.