Thread: How does sharp relate to smooth?

I still consider myself kind of new in the SR world. I'm wondering how sharpness relates to smoothness in a SR. From what I have read here, sharpness does not necessarily beget smoothness.

Before I learned anything of straight razors, I would have thought that the sharper one can get an edge, the smoother the shave would be. But it seems edges can be too sharp !

Understanding sharpness in terms of what is physically happening to the edge seems natural. But if you have two razors of identical sharpness, but whose smoothness is quite different, what at the physical microscopic level is different?

Does it have something to do with a certain grainy texture to the bevel?


Dave

I'm not an expert by any means but I think it might have to do with how smooth the actual edge is (looking through a microscope). You can have two edges sharpened to the same sharpness but one may have a more jagged edge under a microscope leaving the shave more harsh and less smooth. I might be wrong so I hope someone with more knowledge chimes in.

Nothing to add sorry, but very interesting topic and Im looking forward to reading everybody's replies.

Honing Properly - vs - Improper Honing

After literally 100's of these discussions I have come to the conclusion that there are only two ways to hone a razor and one way to use it correctly...

ie: If you think a razor is "Too Sharp" you have either honed it incorrectly or are using it incorrectly

I didn't start out this way, but am in Glen's camp now. 'Sharpest edges I've used (one from Glen) could be brisk/biting (still quite shaveable) and some that are so smooth you can't tell they're shaving. I have a bias toward smoothness, but with either - as sharpness increases, they tolerate less clumsiness.

Like I've said before have a razor too sharp is akin to having too much money.

I think people confuse the concept of sharpness with damaged and think the razor is too sharp when in fact it is damaged and sharpness has nothing to do with their problem. They're just confused.

The OP mentions a certain Grainey texture to the bevel,this I have always found interesting.
I have my blades pro honed and I inspect them under 100 power when returned before use.
One pro I use finishes on Jnats,the edges have a matt finish like water washed sand,they are uber sharp and very mellow.
another finishes on Eschers,again very sharp,always shave ready but with a shiney edge,these I find very crisp and tone down after a couple shaves.
Another uses and unkown to me finisher,edges are sort of inbetween the above.
All are perfect shavers in every way,but am amazed with the subtle differances in finishers.

Originally Posted by israfelli

Understanding sharpness in terms of what is physically happening to the edge seems natural. But if you have two razors of identical sharpness, but whose smoothness is quite different, what at the physical microscopic level is different?

Probably a semantic point but is that actually possible ? I would think identically sharp razors would be identically smooth.

A lot of this can come down to usage, perception &/or experience.

At 200x under the scope I still can't understand why some ragged looking edges shave just as comfortably as the smooth looking ones.