First, I don’t expect people to be shaving off their kitchen knives or hunting knives on a regular basis – like this crazy Swedish guy :whistle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bheJxGGboUU
However, for the razors, the vast majority are honed (sharpened) with the spine flat against the stone – essentially straight razors have their own jig. While the WEPS paddles are on the short side for razors honing, they can certainly be used off the guide arms as hones.
There will be times, however, when the geometry of the razor will be off due to various reasons, mostly due to factory grinding or accumulated honing and stropping issues. Normally a layer of tape would be used, but you could put it in the WEPS clamp and set an angle of 18-20 degrees per side and go from there.
Some pointers:
In general, you do not raise a burr like in knife sharpening.
You will definitely need to lighten up on the pressure. Pressure can bend the edge over, fatiguing the metal, which won’t hold up for a shave later. Razors are thin and will flex with even the slightest pressure. There is usually a learning curve that goes through several stages of “oh – so THAT’S what you mean by no pressure”.
The light pressure slows down the initial sharpening of a razor (called bevel setting). You can use the diamond plates, but I recommend starting with no less than the WEPS 600, and even that may be a bit much, depending on the razor. In general, the Choseras or Shaptons are much better suited for this work, but the WEPS diamond pastes are also good once you’ve got the bevel properly set.
You’ll need to refine to at least 8K (2 micron), but higher refinement is smoother for shaving, IMO. (That’s another argument for later 🙂 ) Always use the clean leather to lightly strop the edge before a shave.
I’ve found that a good shaving soap/cream make the difference. Never use anything out of a can; the alcohol dries out your skin.
+1 on Babo. A good pre-shave is usually the make-or-break factor of a successful shave, too. A hot towel and even hot lather goes far, and feels wonderful. Don’t forget to stretch that skin!
And one last thing – We’ll need a video if you do it! :silly:
