Shaving letters off paper.

[Sword and Shield]

I've seen this done, lifting single letters off newsprint, but I can't figure out how it's done. I've tried with my old standby EDC- toothy edge, about 1500 grit with a strop, and nothing. I've tried with my straight razor- screaming fine edge, about 3000 grit with a fine CrO buff, and nothing.

Every time, I go through the paper.

What am I doing wrong? I can scrape off the ink, but a fingernail will do that!

 

[Soilarch]

I've done this with my cheap lil kershaw vapor (its one of the AUS steels..???) when I got bored in class.

Didn't find it that challenging, and I'm not all that great of a sharpener...2000grit wet/dry sandpaper is as fine as I go. It must be edge and blade geometry. You need to be able to practically lay the blade on its side and still cut AND be using the "belly" of the blade. When I tried to do it with just the tip it never worked.

Also what paper are you using...actual newspaper "newsprint". Mine experience was with your run-of-the-mill 20# computer paper.

 

[superc]

Don't press so hard. You should just feel a gentle scraping. About a 6 to 10 degree angle should work well.

 

[Sword and Shield]

I've always used straight newsprint- often an old Lodge Bulletin. I'll try modifying the angle of attack.

 

[hardheart]

probably technique and maybe not the edge, takes a really low angle. Keep in mind you are essentially trying to cut paper in half, so obviously you can't approach at much angle without passing right through before getting lateral cutting action.