I examine every knife that I sharpen to check for damage and to assess the blade profile and geometry. Once I have fixed any damage, I will thin the blade down by creating a back bevel behind the cutting edge. This is often done with variable speed belts or a water-cooled wheel. Finally, I expertly sharpen the edge bevel and hone it to razor sharpness. If you are getting a hand sharpened edge, then the edge bevel will be sharpened and honed on Japanese waterstones. On a carbon steel knife, I will also put a light coat of camellia oil on the blade to prevent rust.
I start by examining the blade to check for damage as well as observe the blade’s profile and geometry. After fixing any problems, I begin by sharpening the shinogi line. After I have finished sharpening the shinogi line, I then sharpen the edge. If it is a single bevel knife, I also do uraoshi sharpening. I then polish the blade road to the desired look. Finally, I finish by polishing the cutting edge on fine Japanese waterstones. If it is a carbon steel knife, I will also put a light coat of camellia oil on the blade to prevent rust.
If your knife blade has any damage to it (such as nicks, chips, bends, broken tips, etc.), I will repair it when I sharpen it. When a large amount of steel must be removed, then I will use variable speed belts or a water-cooled wheel followed by Japanese waterstones.
Each time your knife is sharpened, a small amount of steel is removed from the edge of your knife. This moves your edge back into thicker steel. By thinning your knife down a little bit each time I sharpen it, I maintain the proper blade geometry for your knife.
All good sharpeners thin knife blades. Without proper thinning, the knife won’t cut well.
Straight Razor Honing and Repair
I personally shave with a straight razor, and I would love to sharpen yours. I will hand hone it on Japanese waterstones, and then strop it until it is shave ready. I do not tape the spine of the razor. If it is a carbon steel razor, I will also put a light coat of camellia oil on the blade to prevent rust. I also have a free video showing you how to strop your razor so you can properly maintain the edge between honings.