Thread: Tiny chip in the END of the spike tip. Is it a problem??

It is really hard to see, and it seems people are unclear at the orientation and the placement of it, so I marked with red what I think you said - is this correct?

Hah! OK, ignore what I wrote before. Apparently I can't tell the difference between the spine and the edge, and I failed to notice you wrote "a quarter inch from the blade."

That is possibly of greater concern. I strongly suggest looking at it under a microscope of some sort. You need to see if there is any hint of a crack extending into the blade. I have seen rounded versions of such "chips" before. Some have arisen from coming out of a tumbler. These rounded chips are of no concern because they do not portend any sort of crack.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Hah! OK, ignore what I wrote before. Apparently I can't tell the difference between the spine and the edge, and I failed to notice you wrote "a quarter inch from the blade."

That is possibly of greater concern. I strongly suggest looking at it under a microscope of some sort. You need to see if there is any hint of a crack extending into the blade. I have seen rounded versions of such "chips" before. Some have arisen from coming out of a tumbler. These rounded chips are of no concern because they do not portend any sort of crack.

ok, I did take a good look at it with the strongest magnifier I have, which is a jewelers eye that is used for examining plants for fungus. It looked very round. Not jagged at all, and no crack. But again, under the pressure of honing this guy could still crack, right???

Thanks to all for the input and feedback!!

Mike

Could you live with a slightly shorter razor ? If it's only a short crack the end could be ground back.

Is a crack up there actually problematic? I genuinely don't know, but I don't see why it would be.

If there is an inherent weakness in the steel there, I don't think shortening the blade will help. As long as it is round, then it's doubtful that the crack will radiate. I would guess that it will be fine.

Well, I think I'll just get it honed and hope for the best. I've already lost one W&B due to cracking, I guess if it goes, it goes.

Thank you men. I sure appreciate the feedback.

Mike

Problem with fuzzy pics is it's hard to really diagnose but is the crack visible on both sides of the blade. I got the impression the red line represents the shape & location .
It's possible for a surface crack to not extend right thru the blade but that is in a very thin part of the blade which is why i would shorten the blade especially if there is movement there.

Originally Posted by mjhammer

But again, under the pressure of honing this guy could still crack, right???

Thanks to all for the input and feedback!!

Mike

How much pressure are you going to use when you hone? I dont think your chip is going to be that much of a problem. Good luck!

well, since nun2sharp actually has it in his hands at this time, I would say it isn't a problem with that tiny little chip.

Nun is honing this guy up for me this week!!!!! Thanks so much nun!

I'll follow up with a shave report when I get it back. (can't wait!!!!!!! )

Mike