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  1. #1
    Steel crazy after all these years RayG's Avatar
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    Default Zowada double bevel

    Has anyone who has shaved with a TZ tried putting a double bevel on a regular razor?

    Since I have heard it mentioned that damascus steel does not necessarily make for the best shaving steel, I wonder if it is more just the honing that accounts for the amazing shaves TZ owners rave about.

  2. #2
    Oh Yes! poona's Avatar
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    There's a huge thread about it somewhere that IIRC Josh and Heavyduty tried and tested this double bevel.

    I made a double bevel on a solingen razor I have but the results weren't any better than the traditional single bevel. In fact I'd go so far to say that it was a big fat waste of my time lol.

    If the steel is good and the edge is good, you'll get a fantastic shave. It really is that simple :-)

  3. #3
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    Graham,

    If the edge is good you have the potential to get a good shave.

  4. #4
    Oh Yes! poona's Avatar
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    Hehe, I just assume everyone has my blade wielding skillz! :P

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    A Newbie....Forever! zepplin's Avatar
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    To be honest, it kinda confuses me! Yes, I tried it, and it seemed relatively successful. - but then, I'd have to commit to it completely, I think (see, I'm still confused). I forgot which blade had the double edge on,.....no, not really, but I would have to remember, or commit the whole herd to becoming doubles.

    My edges are quite good, and I do not see the need of a double edge. If I were having a problem getting an edge right, I would just go to my 1200 DMT, create a new bevel, and start over.

    I agree with Poona...

    Steve

  6. #6
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    Tim does a lot of fancy things to those razors before they ever get their final bevel, so it could just be the way he works the steel. I would bet that the double bevel is only a small portion of the overall performance.

    But if it matters, I have contended before that some of my razors seem to last longer with the double bevel. But that's a whole can of worms that probably comes down to technique and steel in question.

    As with everything in life, you'll never know how something could turn out for you if you never give it a shot. And if it doesn't work any better than the standard bevel, you really haven't lost anything, but have gained some knowledge and experience.

  7. #7
    Steel crazy after all these years RayG's Avatar
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    Thanks for the replies. I did read the interesting thread on double bevels. Since most TZ owners rave about the shave, I guess my question was not whether the double bevel works or not, but whether TZ owners thought their TZ's were superior to non-TZ blades sharpened the same way.

    I'd love to find out for myself, but owning a TZ is not something I can try at this time.

  8. #8
    Frameback Aficionado heavydutysg135's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RayG View Post
    Thanks for the replies. I did read the interesting thread on double bevels. Since most TZ owners rave about the shave, I guess my question was not whether the double bevel works or not, but whether TZ owners thought their TZ's were superior to non-TZ blades sharpened the same way.

    I'd love to find out for myself, but owning a TZ is not something I can try at this time.
    In of itself, the double bevel is not what makes a TZ shave better than other razors, it is the quality of the steel, the heat treatment, the grinding and all the other factors that make a Tim Zowada special. Putting a great double bevel on a normal razor will not make it shave like a Zowada and putting a great single bevel on a Zowada will not bring down the quality of the shave to that of a "normal razor". Double bevel honing is just the method that Tim found consistently puts a good edge on a razor in a production type of setting. Honing a Zowada with tape also protects the beautiful damascus finish, while this might not be a concern with a regular vintage razor. A great single bevel will shave just as well as a great double bevel on both TZ razors and non TZ razors.
    Last edited by heavydutysg135; 04-23-2008 at 01:34 AM.

  9. #9
    Member AFDavis11's Avatar
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    I would agree that a double bevel razor should last a little longer as any greater angled bevel might.

    Ofcourse, HD is correct as usual the Damascus would be a big reason for double beveling and the speed with which you can get an edge.

    I find, I should add, that updating even after one layer of tape can be time consuming if you forget you've used tape or change your mind.

    The proper angle should be a rather thin one. Someday I will probably tape my go to razor instead of getting it regrinded when the spine wears too much for a good angle (its been my daily razor for 5 years I think).

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by heavydutysg135 View Post

    ...the quality of the steel, the heat treatment, the grinding and all the other factors that make a Tim Zowada special.

    Yeah, his heat treatment and tempering procedures are really quite impressive. He has a ton of money invested just in the equipment to be able to do what he does, nevermind the time it has taken to become adept at producing that level of consistent quality. I would love to be able to afford one.

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