Quote Originally Posted by Howard View Post
One of the most controversial topics among bladesmiths is edge geometry. You're now in it with both feet! My recommendation is you get a Starrett angle gauge and check out a bunch of blades to see which shaves best for you. In knifemaking, we use finer edges for cutting meat and soft soft like whiskers and the blades are often, but not always, hollow ground like a razor. If you're going to be cutting something harder like 2x4s or saplings or coconuts, you don't want a hollow ground as it will crumple. Same thing when a straight razor hits a bone, belt buckle, or other hard objects. There's not enough behind the edge to support the shock. My personal opinion is that razors have evolved to the angles they have because they work for customers and shave well. It's a fun topic to talk about.
Oh grrrreat - another thing I need to buy! Thanks for the input, Howard. It would be interesting to compare angles on the razors I get the smoothest shave from vs. the ones I don't.