Without trying to be cute, I am completely out of my league with you guys in this conversation about microns and hones. But, I do believe something is being overlooked for all the focus on the blade: the skin!

I have reasonably sensitive skin. I use a sharp professionally honed blade on it and I have some weepers, and definitely have irritation. If I run the blade over balsa coated with Chromium Oxide 0.3 or 0.5, and even put a little pressure on my stroke, I believe the sharpness of the edge decreases.

Everything I read says that pressure on a strop or balsa, causes the leather or strop to roll over the edge to some degree, rounding the edge. I have to assume by this that the edge is being rounded somewhat. Before, the sharp blade cut hair like crazy. After stropping with Chromium Oxide, it still cuts hair well. But, not as well.

Sharp blade. Sensitive skin. Close shave. Irritation...

Less sharp blade. Sensitive skin. Close shave. Great BBS shave!


Lynn said something in support of sharp. For those on this thread who feel this way, it would be interested to know something about what type skin you are wielding your weapon upon.