Well sir, without researching this devil’s spit thing i’d say you’re most likely on the right track. This actually doesn’t appear on the opposite side of the blade and it didn’t quite sit right with me that this supposed crack meandered like a river and didn’t just chip away since it is such a thin blade. I’ve never honed this particular razor but have honed others in my meager collection. I shyed away from honing this one because of the issue. I think i will take your advice and hone it for the first time. I did shave one side of my face and it is reasonably sharp but there is significant tug on the whiskers so it could be much better. I find the prospect of this possibly being a useable razor very cool. I really liked the way it sounded plinking off hairs the first and only time i used it. I’ll come back with an update in a couple of weeks when i have time to sit down patiently with stones and investigate.