OK, I have been experimenting with different honing strokes on a test razor (solingen made) and have found that I get the best results with a circular motion on my final pass on the Norton 8K. Very light, very loose circles, approx. 20 circles per side.
Granted I haven't been working with straight razors for very long, but I have worked in a tool & die shop for years, so I know my way around hardened steel and super tight tolerances.
I looked at the edges under 30x magnification and see no chips, and after stropping with a 1-2 micron pasted linen strop the "fin" looks good: smooth n' shiny. I have shaved with it a few times and the edge seems to be doing fine.
Everywhere I look, people recommend linear strokes when honing, and I was wondering if anybody else has had success with circular passes on the final edge polishing. If not, why not?
Granted I haven't been working with straight razors for very long, but I have worked in a tool & die shop for years, so I know my way around hardened steel and super tight tolerances.
I looked at the edges under 30x magnification and see no chips, and after stropping with a 1-2 micron pasted linen strop the "fin" looks good: smooth n' shiny. I have shaved with it a few times and the edge seems to be doing fine.
Everywhere I look, people recommend linear strokes when honing, and I was wondering if anybody else has had success with circular passes on the final edge polishing. If not, why not?