Norton Pyramid Honing Guide
This is an example of the pyramid honing technique as described by Randy Tuttle ([email protected]).
Conservative Honing Ratio
This is a suggestion for a straight razor that is almost keen. It shaves but it pulls at the whiskers. I use the thumb test to see when the edge has attained a noticeable change in feel. Then strop for 35 laps on plain leather and test shave.
Repeat as necessary.
Please note that this only applies to the use of a Norton waterstone. It does not apply to Japanese waterstones, a Belgian stone, Arkansas stones, classic barber hones, pasted strops or sandpaper.
Use the thumb test at any point during this sequence and stop if you feel the edge is now keen.
| Set # | Norton 4000 | Norton 8000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 1 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
| 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | 3 | 5 |
| 7 | 1 | 5 |
| 8 | 1 | 5 |
| 9 | 1 | 5 |
Aggressive Honing Ratio
Use this sequence when the razor is not shaving at all.
| Set # | Norton 4000 | Norton 8000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 5 |
| 2 | 10 | 5 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 6 | 1 | 5 |
Be sure and use some sort of test before starting so you can evaluate the rate of change that is occurring. I use the thumb test and the hanging hair test. Repeat the honing sequence as necessary and move to the conservative sequence when you think you are getting close. The goal is to avoid over-honing which can make the edge act like a piece of aluminium foil because it is to thin and weak.
Credits
Credit for devising the honing pyramid technique goes to Lynn Abrams, the founder of the Yahoo Straightrazorplace forum and the http://www.straightrazorplace.com website.
To Lynn and all the other razor gurus "THANKS !"
See also
This HowTo is also available as a PDF file: Norton Pyramid Honing Guide.
