Thread: Transitioning from tools to razors

Originally Posted by stoneandstrop

Mirror is not sharp. The edge is what's sharp
Something can be mirror polished (the bevel) and the edge is crap.
Some natural stones leave a hazy, sometimes scratchy looking bevel.
The absolute edge is all that matters! Once you can see it well you will understand.
Once the bevel is set and it MUST be set before moving forward, the rest is just smoothing out what is there without degrading the edge at all.

The apex of the edge in strict terminology. Where the two plains meet is where the rubber meets the road. As stated, if the plains are polished they can shine like a mirror but if the apex is not clean it won't shave for squat. The plains meeting cleanly at the apex is what people mean by the bevel being completely set.

Also as mentioned Arkansas stones will leave a frosted looking edge (all the way up to translucent and black hard Ark) but are some of the crispest/keenest there are. Mirror polish may look nice but it is only aesthetic, unless it goes all the way to a clean apex of course.

Welcome to the forum BTW. Hope you get lots of help and get where youre wanting to go. Take Mike up on that offer as he is in fact a master (among many here but probably the closest ) I'm a little far but would be glad to hone one or two for you for the price of the shipping...oh, and I'm a red wine drinker.