honing advise - lapping film

[vreddy2000]

This might have been done to death, but before attempting my first hone I thought I would ask again.I will attempt this over the weekend

my tools , bull nose tile from home depot for a base.
12,9,6,5,3,1 micron lapping film
600 grit wet/dry sand paper.

1) set bevel with burr method using 12u
2) then progress thru 6,3,1u
3) 1u again with paper underneath

4) strop on an old pair of jeans.
5) attempt to shave (fingers crossed)

I will watch this over and over again next few days
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/315705-Film-honing-demo-on-youtube


questions on the progression,
q1) can i set bevel using 12u?
q2) how do i know i am done with 6u before going to 3u, are there any visual indicators to tell me that I am done with one and progress to the next?
q3) is undercutting something to watch for even on lapping film?
q4) this might be premature but thought I'd ask anyway, lapping film seems pretty smooth to begin with, how can I tell if a sheet is done and its time to replace.

Thanks all..

 

[gash]

Do you have a leather strop? I find that careful stropping on leather makes a huge difference in the edge.

I'm afraid i don't have the answers to your questions.

Best of luck with it.

 

[Chico]

q1) can i set bevel using 12u?
It is said you can do that, yes.
q2) how do i know i am done with 6u before going to 3u, are there any visual indicators to tell me that I am done with one and progress to the next?
Is more a feeling. When I see the water is undercutting and it feels very smooth when you make passes. I tend to feel it is ready to move on when I feel it is going very smooth and a kinda suction feeling to it.
q3) is undercutting something to watch for even on lapping film?
Yes. This also shows over the whole blade the edge. So you should have undercutting over the whole length of the blade.
q4) this might be premature but thought I'd ask anyway, lapping film seems pretty smooth to begin with, how can I tell if a sheet is done and its time to replace.
I am not sure either. I always rinse them after use, that clears a lot "black" (steel redisu) of. When you need too much time compared with before, it is time to replace it. But I believe you can use the same piece for at least 5 razors.

Again, I am a beginner also, these are just my thoughts and experience.

 

[vreddy2000]

When I see the water is undercutting and it feels very smooth when you make passes. I tend to feel it is ready to move on when I feel it is going very smooth and a kinda suction feeling to it.

thank you, that helps..

Do you have a leather strop? I find that careful stropping on leather makes a huge difference in the edge.

I have to do this all in a stealth mode, SWMBO is unaware that there are straights in the house now.
for now a leather strop is not an option, and i am part of the fall restraint as well..
so... no go on two counts

 

[Seraphim]

You can strop on a wide flat leather belt. That's what I did before I ordered up my first strop.

And I'm glad to see you have made The Logical Choice.

 

[vreddy2000]

You can strop on a wide flat leather belt. That's what I did before I ordered up my first strop.

And I'm glad to see you have made The Logical Choice.

I don't know if that is for the lapping film or
a comment on switching from shavette...
but a pat on the back from you sir, I will take it either way..

 

[Seraphim]

I'm a fan of the Parker Shavette.

Kudos are for the films.

You are obviously a man of high intellect.

 

[Chris1980]

To refresh your razor, I have 3 micron and 1 micron film, how many laps or half laps with each paper would you recommend?

 

[buca3152]

When I used to use film, I would refresh on the 1um with paper under only. 20 laps is plenty on fresh film unless the edge is in bad shape.