Thread: Setting new bevel.

I'm totally new to straight razors, but have been sharpening knives by hand for years. Straight razors seem to be a logical next stop, so I bought an old Spike straight razor that I cleaned up, and sent through a full progression of stones (500-2000-5000-10000, Imperia, stropping) to put a new edge on it. That included removing a small frown in the blade. I've shaved with it a few times now, but I'm suspecting that it should shave more cleanly that it is. I'm curious if during the process of grinding down the edge to fix the frown, if I may have thrown off the geometry between the edge and the spine, resulting in an edge that isn't as steep as it should be. Does this happen? Would one just grind down the spine a little bit to fix that? Does anybody even know what I'm talking about? Because I'm only 75% sure that I understand myself.

I wouldnt grind down the spine. Do the math and measure your blade. It might he off a little but you can shave with a higher angled bevel. There is a limit to where it gets noticeable but IMO it takes a bit more than what you did. Those spikes are normally a small angle to start with.

Id lean more to a bevel issue or you didnt remove enough stria from the bevel in you progression. Moved up the stones to quick. JMO.

The more experianced folks will jump in soon. Honing a razor is a different animal than sharpening knives! Takes time to learn.

BTW, Welcome to SRP!

Thanks for the input. Part of me wonders if I should just get a new razor, since I have no frame of reference for what it SHOULD feel like. I'm sure my wife will be on board with that idea.

You should totally get a 'shave ready' razor, or have one of your razors honed, from a respected user at some point in order to compare your edges to something. Two razors are a good thing and hardly excessive.

No one reputable would bring down the spine. Often with older razors that have a lot of spine wear, extra tape is used to build the spine up. One layer of tape, particularly for new honers will protect the geometry. The are a few resources to look at first is the bevel angle
http://www.coticule.be/wedges.html?f...alculation.xls
Then there is the question of is the bevel set. A lot of people use a loupe to aid in the decision as to when to move up and when the bevel is set.
https://sharprazorpalace.com/honing/...ggestions.html
I don’t start honing at 500, I go with 1000. I am not familiar with your brand of hones.

Good stuff. So let's assume that I agree, and I do, that I should get a shave ready razor, for comparison sake. What's a good source for something at a reasonable cost? I've already spent more than I want to think about on my knife hobby, and I'd really prefer that my wife doesn't kill me with one of them.

I would definitely get a 'shave ready' razor from a reputable source. My first two razors were from Lynn and it taught me what a smooth, keen edge feels like. Contact a mentor about what they recommend or something. Maybe check out the B/S/T section, usually good starter razors for around 40-50 dollars. I'd also like to mention that when first starting out, new people have a tenancy to do more harm than good on the strop. There really is more than just moving it up and down without nicking the strop.

-Laramie-

If you'd like, I'll hone it for free. All it'll cost ya, is shipping to my place. I'll take care of it going back.

Your call

Originally Posted by Gregory27

Good stuff. So let's assume that I agree, and I do, that I should get a shave ready razor, for comparison sake. What's a good source for something at a reasonable cost? I've already spent more than I want to think about on my knife hobby, and I'd really prefer that my wife doesn't kill me with one of them.

Try pm’ing Glen(gssixgun) he occasionally has some affordable user grade blades for sale, also is a pro honer. Another good place to look is in the bst part of the forum, usually some good deals to had on shave ready razors.

A second razor doesn't have to cost much. A vintage for ~$40 is 'just a normal deal'. You can easily fall into much better deals. Then get it honed by someone here.