Thread: Touching the edge

Originally Posted by Casulo

Thanks for the offer, but maybe I should state that i'm from the U.K. So i need someone close to home. Thank you for the offer though Utopian

I didn't notice your location!

Originally Posted by Utopian

I didn't notice your location!

No worries, I actually changed it after you wrote your reply. To make sure no one else makes the same mistake.

Don't worry about it. It's a razor, and it's made for cutting keratin.

Considering that both hair and the outer skin are made from the same stuff, I don't see why his thumb would damage the edge any more than beard hair would. Even calloused thumb tip skin would be on par with a thick beard hair.

If the razor now seems to not shave as well...strop.

Originally Posted by honedright

Don't worry about it. It's a razor, and it's made for cutting keratin.

Considering that both hair and the outer skin are made from the same stuff, I don't see why his thumb would damage the edge any more than beard hair would. Even calloused thumb tip skin would be on par with a thick beard hair.

If the razor now seems to not shave as well...strop.

I see what you mean, but he didn't just touch the edge. He ran it back and forth quite roughly and then plucked at the edge towards himself.

Unless you already knew and understood that, then fair enough I still might check it out, i'm going to find a microscope and have a look at the edge if i can.

You really need a strop no matter what.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

You really need a strop no matter what.

I will be getting one, i'm low on funds at the moment so I can't buy everything I need to get started. The razor was all I could really afford. As soon as I have all the equipment, and not a moment sooner, i will begin to use it. Having repaired it beforehand of course.

I run my thumbpad over the edge everytime I hone one of my razors, it's called the thumbpad test. I don't "pluck" it what ever that is. If he did not cut his thumb by running it over the edge very aggressively, it must not have been very sharp.

Originally Posted by Casulo

I see what you mean, but he didn't just touch the edge. He ran it back and forth quite roughly and then plucked at the edge towards himself.

Unless you already knew and understood that, then fair enough I still might check it out, i'm going to find a microscope and have a look at the edge if i can.

If he was able to do what you are describing without cutting his thumb up, either the razor was already dull (relatively) or his skin is much tougher than I thought. Either way, a good stropping couldn't hurt. Maybe even a honing.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

I run my thumbpad over the edge everytime I hone one of my razors, it's called the thumbpad test. I don't "pluck" it what ever that is. If he did not cut his thumb by running it over the edge very aggressively, it must not have been very sharp.

It's hard to describe what he did, that's the only term I can think of. Imagine the blade, his thumb was on top of the blade ,finger steadying it, then he makes a grabbing and flicking motion.

And tbh, I don't know if he cut himself or not. It didn't bleed but I didn't think cutting a finger with callouses would. Who knows, i'll have to wait and see to determine its integrity.

Edit: He did mention that it was "very sharp" but I don't think he used enough pressure and a side to side motion to cut himself. Combined with tough skin who knows. I'll check it out under a microscope, and then take appropriate action. Be that simply stropping or a barbers hone, thanks for the help guys.

I'll take a look for you if you want? I'm near Oxford. I'm no honemiester, but i can get a decent edge apparently. I'm very happy to if it put's your mind at ease. Did that come from Steve? He may even be prepared to take a look himself under the circumstances, if it did. Let me know if i can help though mate.