uneven edge?

Whats the best way to fix an uneven edge?

 

Hmmm, that depends. You could of course grind it down but that would be the last option. See if you can hone it by using a circular motion - like using a scythe.

 

should i tape the spine?

 

I would just in case. Even though there is not a lot to take off to get it there I would just in case. Then again I always tape all my razors when I work on them but that's just me. YMMV. Mike Sandoval recently did some circular honing to remove a nick from the edge of one of his razors. It worked like a charm. He used 1k wet sandpaper on a flat piece of glass. Drop him a pm he can give more details.

Raf

 

Based on the picture, that blade has a "smile". That's a desirable thing, and doesn't need fixing.

 

Do you have to change your honing or stropping pattern for a blade like that?

 

I agree with Joe C!

A smile on the edge is a good thing. The hone 'can' be modified as more of a 'swoop' with the smile of the edge, but as long as you keep uniform contact on the edge honing should not be a problem....

Now, a frown in the edge is a PITA! And takes some work to get 'straight' (no pun intended).

Good luck!!!

C utz

 

the smile is nice but it doesn't belong! its a small Henckels blade and the picture doesn't give justice to how bad it really is.

 

I'm thinkin' Joe has about the best advice. Here's a little more. If you can, avoid buying these damaged blades until you get pretty good at restoring them. Also, If you don't have the equipment to do it, you will need a lot of time on your hands to get it done the hard way.

Here is the fastest hard way...

Using your photo as a reference, put the razor on top of a 220 grit hone. (1K, if you don't have a coarse one) Tilt the blade to the right (if you are right handed) about 20 degrees off of vertical. Push the blade across the stone, starting from the left front corner and ending on the right back corner.

Repeat these strokes many many many many many times. Stop when you get very close to having a straight line at the cutting edge. Then, tape the spine with electrical tape. Using a 1K stone, start working on the cutting bevel again with normal honing tecniques using moderate downward pressure and applying a little torque at the same time. Once you have the proper bevel, remove the tape and make a couple of more passes before going to the 4K stone. After the 4K, go to the 8K to finish. Strop... shave.

If you have nothing but time on your hands, go ahead and do those circles everyone is talking about 'cause that works too.

If you have some equipment, look at the "fixing a blade" video:
http://www.billysblades.com/workingscales

 

Thanks this helps, now off to the 220