Finishing hone

MetalBren

So I've decided to purchase a finishing hone to keep my razor sharp. I went with the Naniwa 12k, should be here by next week.
I'm just wondering will it need to be lapped? If so, does anyone know where I could get this done?
Also, will I have to use an X-pattern when sharpening the razor? The hone will be wide enough to use without, do I still have to use one?
thanks!

hitemfrank

I would lap just to be sure that it's perfectly flat. You can do it yourself easily. Get yourself some sandpaper and a flat surface.

You just put pencil lines across the hone and rub the 12k against the sandpaper that's on the flat surface. When all of the lines are gone your hone is flat.


If the 12k is the same width as the 1k that I have you might find that it's just a hair too thin to get away without using x-strokes.

MetalBren

and roughly how many strokes would it take to properly refresh the edge?

hitemfrank

Not a clue

It's just a case of you doing some strokes on the hone and testing the edge to see if it's good. If not, keep going.

It shouldn't really take long at all to get the edge back if it's only for touch ups.

MetalBren

Thanks! i suppose I'll have to wait to get the hone and then go from there.

MetalBren

Another question: should the blade be honed at an angle?
I mean at an angle so its not perpendicular at the sides, i know the blade has to stay flat on the hone.
thanks

hitemfrank

You lie the blade down on the hone so that both the spine and edge touch the hone at the same time. If you're still confused watch a video about honing on youtube and it'll clear up which way to put the razor on the hone.


Here's a picture to show you.

Deise Musashi

Great slurry!

hitemfrank

Deise Musashi wrote: »

Great slurry!

Ah, Deise. Haven't seen your name around here in a while.

Have you stuck it out with straight razors?

MetalBren

sorry for the lack of replies, been insanely busy. anyway, my dad and i got the hone up and running and i got my razors back to very nice order

Deise Musashi

Have you stuck it out with straight razors?

Usually use a Merkur DE weekdays and the straight at weekends!