pre 1000 bevel setting.

The problem with using something cheap and coarser than 1000 is it will probably leave deep scratches that will take a while (and considerable wear) to remove. A good quality 1000 stone will remove the material pretty quick and not gouge the holy hell out of your blade.

And, as they said, it ain't easy to start from zero and learn. It will be twice as bad if you have cheap stones.

I really like fiendishrazor about cheap stones. I was able to learn to hone straight razors quickly. A big reason for this is that set myself up for success with the proper tools. Not only do they work better, but when I wasn't getting the desired results, it was much easier to figure out what the problem was, which of course was with my technique.

So here's what I'll be working with.

"They are hardened, but unfinished. The steel is still sitting at a 36 grit scratch wear. However, if there is ever a razor to practice honing on, it would be one of these. I can put some simple half finished scales on, for correct weight, however, I would leave it with a fairly thick factory edge."

BadDad

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JMGSteelWorks/items

i may take you up on working on one of these. one i will definitely be doing myself. setting the bevel from scratch was kind of the point.


Pete123

i appreciate the advice. i am one to jump in deeper than i should, but I'm also one to ignore the guy who told me it was deep.


thank you all for the comments.


so, from 36 grit scratch i should use?

...so, from 36 grit scratch i should use?

A belt sander...


And honestly, I am not confident I can get one ready if that's all it has done to it. I'm not equipped to build straights from scratch, I'm equppied to take a new or vintage straight with a bad or factory edge and make it work...

Shoot me a PM with your address. I'll send you a vintage blade that will provide you ample room to practice honing. Won't cost you dime, and you can set the bevel without killing a brand new 1k...

Based on what you have shared, I have less concern that before. Why not give it a try. As long as you go into the project understanding the challenges you may be pleasantly surprised. You may learn that you want to become a honemeister. Or, you may decide to start making straights.

I decided to try making straight razor scales. I've fallen in love with this and about to open a side business making them.