[syslight]

Hand Made American 20/20 Blade System (magnetic sharpening jig)


I have only tried this now with two razors and I have come to the realization that as a sharpening jig that allows you to bring the stone to the blade, it is useless, at least for straight razor use. Using this as a magnetic “vise” to hold a blade while using a dremel or sanding block it is great.

When using the system I found it better when I used a paper plate folded around the metal face plate for three reasons. The paper plate protects the face plate from scratches, learned that the hard way. It protects the blade from damage if you let it “snap” onto the plate. Finally, it is a lot easier to throw out the paper plate then it is to try and remove all the debris from cleaning those metal filings like to stick to the strong magnets.

As we all know, with straight razor honing we use very light, almost no, pressure and for even symmetrical honing we take a stroke on one side of the blade then one on the other. With the 20/20 system you need to reposition the blade after each side which would greatly add time and complication to the honing process. Furthermore you would need to apply “negative”(lift up slightly) pressure to the stones as you used then because their weight would cause unneeded hone wear to the blade.

Using the 20/20 system in razor restoration is easy, convenient and frees up a hand. By securing the blade you are free to use the dremel with both hands, at higher speeds with minimal risk to the blade. The metal face of the 20/20 system acts to an extent as a heat sink, but the paper plate I used denigrates this function somewhat, so you will need to touch various sections of the blade to make sure it is not getting too hot. The arm with two ball joints allow you to position the blade in unusual ways that so that you can get the tools into those tight places like the hollows near the shoulder and any jimping you may have.

One other thing I found… using this system will magnetize your blade and I would recommend keeping electronic devices and wristwatches a good distance away. Currently for storage i have a piece of leather laying across the face plate wit ha blade on top of that.

Ratings:
Construction quality: 8+ (the face plate scratches to easily)
Remaining stationary:
base: 9+ (using the suction cup on a counter top)
ball joints: 9
items on the face plate: 10 (and lifting them off is easy)

As a device to aid in honing:
for razors: 0
for knives: untested
for hatchet: 9 (used a file and it was almost as good as using a vise)

As a device for razor restoration: 10
Leaving blade magnetized: 4 (it does it real well but a magnetic blade is not always a good thing)

The pictures below show a 1920s~1930s era oxford razor from the Germania cutlery works and the HMA 20/20 system.
The blade clean up procedure was wire brush on dremel, jewelers rouge on a dremel felt wheel, more wire brush then I removed the blade from the system and gave it a good once over with MAAS and a cloth… start to finish 35 minutes… including taking the pictures.

[Chris L]

Hey thanks for the review, Jim. I'm glad to see you put up pictures and your experience. I could not for the life of me and maybe the life of 1,000 others figure how that thing would work unless you were drawing the stone across the razor.......you've confirmed for me that it what would be necessary. The recent seller was silent on an expanded explanation

It does look like a great restoration tool! I'm sure you'll put it to good use.

Chris L

[Philadelph]

Originally Posted by syslight

I have only tried this now with two razors and I have come to the realization that as a sharpening jig that allows you to bring the stone to the blade, it is useless, at least for straight razor use.

I think you said right there what everyone has been thinking...

Great review, thanks!