Skype honing mentor?

[dquelhas]

Hi all,

I've just started honing and it's going far from well. I got a Golden Dollar chinese razor to practice, but I can't even get the bevel right. My Dovo razors will be needing a touch up soon, and I don't want to ruin them.

I have a Norton combo 220/1K, a Norton combo 4K/8K and a 12K japanese stone. I tried following the videos here and on youtube and no joy for me.

Can any of you awesome honing masters be my mentor via Skype? I could really use some help.

Many thanks in advance,
Dinis

 

[mdunn]

what about the bevel isnt working?

Most of the gold dollars ive seen need the heel ground out so they sit flat on the hone - could that be the issue?

 

[jodypress]

Hi Dinis,

I'm based in London. I'm not a honemeister, far from it, but I've been able to set a few bevels on my razors. I've got the following setup:

1K, 3K/8K and 12K Naniwas. Along with a DMT325, a small Escher and coti and pasted strops etc.

I'm happy setting bevels on my hollows's but am struggling on my W&B wedges. (whole other ballgame)

I'd be happy to meet up and see what we can achieve if you like.

PM me

Jody

 

[blackhhawk]

Make sure the razor is laid flat on the hone and just go at it (on the 1k). Don't worry about anything else. Look for an undercut. That's a sign that things are going well. Periodically do the marker test and see where you are or aren't making contact. You can start with a medium amount of pressure to do the initial steel removal because if it's a new GD you are going to have to remove a decent amount of a steel. Once you get past that part, start progressively lightening up on the pressure. That's where your sharpness will come from. Half strokes might help save time, or something similar. Don't worry about how your bevel looks, just hone. Don't worry about spine wear, it's a gold dollar. It's takes however long it takes. Some take a while, so don't worry about counting strokes. Make sure to keep the hone wet and clear the swarf build up.

As I am learning, honing takes time. It's something that requires precision and patience so it's not a skill learned over night. Your stroke and ability to analyze feedback will get better the more you do it. Just be patient and hone. Things will click. Just remember, finish with very light pressure, as the sharp edge you're after will not get sharp if you put too much pressure on it.