How to get hair whittling/ technique--need help!

[Bladenoobie1]

I've been practicing freehand sharpening a lot, but with my current set-up: Shapton glass 500, 1k, 4k + chromium oxide strop, I'm unable to get a hair whittling edge. The edge can shave, slice phone book paper, and somewhat push cut it but thats as far as I can get the edge.

I also have another question regarding technique when sharpening clip point/drop point blades. With the seb, I usually keep the blade in the relatively same orientation and only lift the handle to reach the tip. I've tried pushing the belly to the tip, but I get worse results than when I solely life the handle. I get burrs that I can feel at the 500 and 1k so I know I'm hitting the tip, but when I get to the 4k, though the tip along with the whole bevel is even and polished, is not as sharp as the rest of the knife.

I really just would like to get my knife to that next level, but it seems whatever I do I can't get those results. So I'm just looking for advice, techniques, video/link references that may help me reaching that milestone of hair whittling.

Thanks,
BN

 

[Jason B.]

The level of finish is just not high enough, you would need to go to 8k then strop or go with a different compound. Chromium oxide @ .5 microns is almost too fine and you are probably rounding out the apex before you reach the point you need to be to whittle hair.

 

[Bladenoobie1]

The level of finish is just not high enough, you would need to go to 8k then strop or go with a different compound. Chromium oxide @ .5 microns is almost too fine and you are probably rounding out the apex before you reach the point you need to be to whittle hair.

I'm relieved to hear that. That aside, what can I do to get the tip of the knife sharper?

 

[Jason B.]

Are you using edge trailing strokes at the end?

It will help remove the remaining burr and make the edge sharper.

It shouldn't be too big a deal with the shaptons but it may help.

 

[Alberta Ed]

An angle guide might help.

 

[Bladenoobie1]

Are you using edge trailing strokes at the end?

It will help remove the remaining burr and make the edge sharper.

It shouldn't be too big a deal with the shaptons but it may help.

No I've only used leading strokes as I though that trailing strokes would just flop the burr as opposed to removing it.

I spend a bit with the sharpie and the 1k stone and the tip is now sharp. I can still tell that the tip is a little less sharp as opposed to the belly, but the tip no longer snags on paper when I cut it.

As for strops, right now only my black compound strop and my chromium oxide strops are doing a good job. My white compound strops have uneven surfaces and the leather isn't doing the best either. Would it be worth the investment to get some kangaroo strops? Or should I only use kangaroo when dealing with very find sprays like sub 1 micron? The 4k stone reads 3.68 microns so would a kangaroo strop + a 1 micron diamond spray be good for my set up?