DMT 1200 to DMT EE to paste=nice

[Seraphim]

Just had a nice shave. Honed up simply on a DMT 1200 to set the bevel, refined it on the DMT8EE, then finished it off on a hanging canvas strop treated with 1.0um diamond paste with some spritzes of 0.5um diamond spray.

HHT beautifully, and the shave was smooth, close, and comfortable.

Two hones and a pasted strop is about as simple as it can get.

 

[richmondesi]

Just had a nice shave. Honed up simply on a DMT 1200 to set the bevel, refined it on the DMT8EE, then finished it off on a hanging canvas strop treated with 1.0um diamond paste with some spritzes of 0.5um diamond spray.

HHT beautifully, and the shave was smooth, close, and comfortable.

Two hones and a pasted strop is about as simple as it can get.

Almost as simple as a Coticule

Congrats!

 

[Seraphim]

Almost as simple as a Coticule

Congrats!

I've used this regime in the past, also with good results. Then I go on lapping film binges taking the edge to shiny perfection. So I again wanted to try the quick and dirty route (plus I'm away for the weekend, and that was all I packed, I wasn't going to put my precision granite plate in the suitcase).

 

[Seraphim]

Here's what the edge looks like. The hanging pasted strop polishes up just the very cutting edge, but does so nicely.

 

[richmondesi]

Here's what the edge looks like. The hanging pasted strop polishes up just the very cutting edge, but does so nicely.

Very interesting pic. This would seem to support the claim that pasted stropping will in fact cause bevel convexity over time. Of course, how big a deal that is still debatable

 

[Seraphim]

Very interesting pic. This would seems to support the claim that pasted stropping will in fact cause bevel convexity over time. Of course, how big a deal that is still debatable

It undoubtably causes convexity.

I have used the entire range lapping film over 3 layers of wet paper to set and refine the bevel. This definitely had noticeable curvature to the bevel.

The end result?

Take a look-see here:

Wapi, finished off to 0.1um diamond film. As sharp as sharp gets. 200x (different scope than used above)

 

[richmondesi]

Very cool... So you're in the "not that big a deal camp", huh?

 

[Seraphim]

Very cool... So you're in the "not that big a deal camp", huh?

I'm in teh camp that thinks that actually a convex edge is stronger and more durable anyhow.

Within reason, of course. If the final edge angle gets to be too large, there will be a decreased cutting ability.

 

[Neurotopia]

So niku is good for the straight as well as the sword eh?

 

[Strikermike]

So niku is good for the straight as well as the sword eh?

My thoughts exactly. Convex bevel or (niku) is what makes katanas cut so well.

 

[matt321]

Convexing has a lot of proponents in knife sharpening forums too. Edge trailing strokes on sandpaper on a mouse pad is one method used.

The thing I don't like about convexing is the uncertainty. If the bevel is flat then I know when I lay it on a flat hone that I'm on the mark. Now, with a convexed edge I would never know if I'm matching the bevel.

In other words, there is only one "flat" profile, but there are an infinite number of possible convex profiles.

This is just based on mind-movies. I haven't ever tried convexing.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Eggs are structurally improved by being convex due to being extremely brittle and effectively hollow. I don't believe that the benefits extend to solid steel, but to each his own.

 

[Seraphim]

Convexing has a lot of proponents in knife sharpening forums too. Edge trailing strokes on sandpaper on a mouse pad is one method used.

The thing I don't like about convexing is the uncertainty. If the bevel is flat then I know when I lay it on a flat hone that I'm on the mark. Now, with a convexed edge I would never know if I'm matching the bevel.

In other words, there is only one "flat" profile, but there are an infinite number of possible convex profiles.

This is just based on mind-movies. I haven't ever tried convexing.

My experience so far is that it is somewhat self-correcting, as the soft surface will conform to the hard surface of the razor. If I use the same number of sheets of paper under the lapping film I get very uniform results.

 

[Seraphim]

Here is the original edge. DMT 1200 to DMT EE to pasted strop

Just touched up that same razor with 3um and then 1um lapping film. looks to be about the same level of "sharpness", but the bevel finish is more even with the lapping film (used on granite plate).

Here's the edge again:

 

[kwigibocity]

Fascinating discussion!

In the knife world, I've always preferred a tiny convexity nearest the edge on my yanagiba for the cleanest slices of fish and meats. But this is a slicing cut instead of a push-cut (essentially what straight razors are doing).

I have to wonder if it will stay keen and comfortable, but it is certainly worth a try with a blade. Would it not conceptually

work better if you shaved with more a toe-leading stroke, to slightly favor more of a slicing cut?

 

[Seraphim]

Fascinating discussion!

In the knife world, I've always preferred a tiny convexity nearest the edge on my yanagiba for the cleanest slices of fish and meats. But this is a slicing cut instead of a push-cut (essentially what straight razors are doing).

I have to wonder if it will stay keen and comfortable, but it is certainly worth a try with a blade. Would it not conceptually

work better if you shaved with more a toe-leading stroke, to slightly favor more of a slicing cut?

Many people do exactly that.

 

[kwigibocity]

I know, and I do...just meant that convexing the near-edge would favor an extremely-toe-favored stroke it'd seem.