Thread: Small nick on the blade

Does honing fix a small nick on a blade? If not, what is the best way to even out the edge again? Can the str8 still be used with the nick? The nick is about a 1/2 inch in from the end opposite the tang. Thanks.

Rob

Originally Posted by rktosa123

Does honing fix a small nick on a blade? If not, what is the best way to even out the edge again? Can the str8 still be used with the nick? The nick is about a 1/2 inch in from the end opposite the tang. Thanks.

Rob

I, personally, wouldn't use it with the nick .... The blade needs to visit a hone and the edge can probably be made perfect again in short order. In the two-hone, Norton combination system, for instance, stay of the coarser 4k side until the nick is gone, then polish briefly on the 8k side before a plain leather stropping. Ironically, an older razor often performs much better after the nick removal, since it has a nice new bevel and polish to its edge.

I usually use a circular motion on each side of the blade in incriments of 20 circles until the nick is out. With the edge to you, use a counter clockwise circle and with the edge away from you, use a clockwise circle. I do this on the 4K side and then when it is gone, I switch back to the X pattern for finishing. Lynn

Glad you mentioned the 'circular motion', Lynn! I do the same thing for small nicks ...sometimes a hone courser than 4K is needed, but it seems that the circular pattern really reestablishes a straight edge and a consistent bevel again quickly.

Thanks for explaing the clockwise/ counterclockwise stuff again ...I do it, but now will be sure to! Makes sens, considering the fin angle we are creating!

Best,