Does a new hone need flattened?

[edders]

Been at the straight razor thing for two months or so. Got 4 razors plus a Shavette, Norton 4/8k, Chinese 12k and the DVD from straight razor place. I have honed and stropped but nothing sharp enough yet. One of the straights I bought was supposed to be shave ready but I now doubt it was. I have only managed a few shaves with the Shavette. Fortunately the Shavette has shown me that hair splitting is possible. I have two razors that will catch and almost cut hairs (A Wapencia and an old Henckel). I am trying to figure out where I may be going wrong and was wondering if I should have flattened the Norton and Chinese before I used them? I know there are so many other variables but just trying to narrow it down. Oh, and if you have a link to some microscope shots that would help too. Cheers Ed

[joel]

Been at the straight razor thing for two months or so. Got 4 razors plus a Shavette, Norton 4/8k, Chinese 12k and the DVD from straight razor place. I have honed and stropped but nothing sharp enough yet. One of the straights I bought was supposed to be shave ready but I now doubt it was. I have only managed a few shaves with the Shavette. Fortunately the Shavette has shown me that hair splitting is possible. I have two razors that will catch and almost cut hairs (A Wapencia and an old Henckel). I am trying to figure out where I may be going wrong and was wondering if I should have flattened the Norton and Chinese before I used them? I know there are so many other variables but just trying to narrow it down. Oh, and if you have a link to some microscope shots that would help too. Cheers Ed

You need to flatten the Norton and the Chinese 12k. The Chinese will be a major PITA to flatten fyi.

[edders]

I wouldn't worry about the Chinese being a PITA. Always buying "just one more thing" only to find out you need "just one more thing" is a major pain in the buttocks. I read your excellent flattening thread, so I am now going to pick up the DMT coarse. Anything else I should need after that? Purified spring water poured by virgins? A certain colour of slippers I should wear? And I thought getting kitted out for the DE stuff was a pain...

[joel]

I wouldn't worry about the Chinese being a PITA. Always buying "just one more thing" only to find out you need "just one more thing" is a major pain in the buttocks. I read your excellent flattening thread, so I am now going to pick up the DMT coarse. Anything else I should need after that? Purified spring water poured by virgins? A certain colour of slippers I should wear? And I thought getting kitted out for the DE stuff was a pain...

I'd get the stone holder/base to hold the DMT plate as well. Other than that, you should be ok.

[Kees]

Hope you don't have to flatten the DMT as well... lol, or you will have to buy just one more thing! Piece of sandpaper wrapped around a piece of wood often does it as well.

[Scotto]

Not a straight razor guy, but I use waterstones for kitchen knives. With regard to holding the stones and plates, I find that a $1 roll of rubber kitchen cabinet liner works great, and can be cut to size easily. I have never had a problem with a stone moving while I am sharpening.

Just my $0.02 for those looking to save a buck.

[joel]

Not a straight razor guy, but I use waterstones for kitchen knives. With regard to holding the stones and plates, I find that a $1 roll of rubber kitchen cabinet liner works great, and can be cut to size easily. I have never had a problem with a stone moving while I am sharpening.

Just my $0.02 for those looking to save a buck.

Scotto,
For what it is worth - the DMT Plate is just that.... a metal plate. It's about 1/8th of an inch thick, quite heavy, and doesn't offer much clearance. Unless you are honing in your hand - you'll need something to elevate and hold it, as a smooth metal bottom and it being heavy as hell, means if it moves, it slides... and I'm sure the Mrs. will kill you if you put a crack/dent in the floor

[edders]

DMT has been added to my birthday pressie list. Just wait a week or so now.

[edders]

I got my DMT coarse but now I cannot find the video where the guy uses it to flatten a Norton 4/8k. Could someone point me in the right direction??

[Sticky]

Not sure about the video, but here is a tutorial w pictures.