Thread: Sharpness of Straight vs DE & SE

Originally Posted by gssixgun

You know I have heard this for some time now, that DE and SE blades are sharper than straights...
I have also told people numerous time to use either one, to get a feel for how the edge tests (TNT, TPT, HHT) should look and feel when learning to hone....

I have always taken this to be a true statement, until I actually bought a DE and actually used it ONCE to shave with before selling it.... (not for me)
At that time I took one of the DE blades and did what I had told people to do many times, and tried the blade tests myself... Needless to say I was not all that impressed with what I found, it passed all the tests and I still think it is a good way to learn how the tests should feel, but I would put any of my edges against those Personna edges any day of the week...
I have never even held a Feather so I could not say on that one...
That's my new 2 cents...
So from now on I will not automatically assume that machine made edges are better than hand honed straight edges, I wanna see it, and have it proved to me....

And I would put one of your edges up against a Derby Extra DE blade any day of the week, too. When I received my Glen sharpened straight, I compared it directly to a Derby Extra DE blade. I did all the usual tests, as well as a few *unusual* tests. There was no discernible difference.

To those that say that DE blades are sharper, I would counter the argument that there is a difference between ease of use and sharpness. The DE blade, and it's corresponding "safety razor" take out *alot* of the variables that can cause uncomfortable shaving; safety razors are *much* easier to just pick up and get a comfortable shave without much learning curve. If you take a straight of equivalent sharpness, given correct technique, you will get *at least* as close and comfortable shave as with the DE.

Let's say that on one day, you give a guy an adjustable safety razor with a new blade in it, set to it's least aggressive setting. Don't give him any instructions (he's never used one before), and let him get to work. he'll probably get a decent shave.

The next day, give him a straight of corresponding sharpness. Again, don't give him any instructions. Let him get to work, but make sure you have the Red Cross there to replace the lost blood.

Summary: I'd put a honemeister sharpened blade up against any machined DE blade anytime. Sharpness isn't to be confused with ease of use.