Thread: Can a blade be too sharp?

I think Stubear may have hit the nail on the head. WHO KNOWS!

Seems the more I learn, the less I know. If you think your razor is to sharp - don't strop it after you use it and see if it is any better next shave. If it is, then back off on your stropping and dial the edge in how you like it.

I have never had anyone send me a razor to hone and ask that it not be honed too sharp. Maybe the real question, you should be asking, is do some steels produce a smoother edge than others? And then again maybe not.


Enjoy!

Ray

Since Fido started the topic with the mention of DE blades I think there is a known quantity there. When I used to shave with a DE and experimented with various blades the Gillette Swede was the sharpest and smoothest with the Feather as sharp but not as smooth.

Then I tried the Derby and hated it at first. I had to learn to like the Derby and really use the multiple pass, gradual stubble removal technique to find the sweet spot for the Derby. It is a razor blade and it is sharp but it isn't as sharp as the Gillette Swede or the Feather IME.

I have been a pro tattooer for a couple of decades and one thing I've learned in that time while poking needles into skin is that we all have different hide. I'm sure a barber could comment on our differences in whiskers. IMO this is where the differing opinions come into the mix. Those with tougher skin probably won't find a Feather too sharp/harsh while those with the more tender epidermis will. Just IMHO.

Unless the edge is compromised by being too fragile, no. It's job is to cut. It can't be too good at it. The problem is that a user is putting flesh where hair should be. They should practice shaving more, rather than wishing for a more dull razor. I've got a razor I guarantee will never cut you. I call it the Es Puun. Only $100 each.

Act now and you can purchase the money saving four pack for only $375

Originally Posted by IanS

Unless the edge is compromised by being too fragile, no. It's job is to cut. It can't be too good at it. The problem is that a user is putting flesh where hair should be. They should practice shaving more, rather than wishing for a more dull razor. I've got a razor I guarantee will never cut you. I call it the Es Puun. Only $100 each.

Act now and you can purchase the money saving four pack for only $375

Honing that one would definitely require the rolling X

u gotta buy 4 es poons? i need 7 for each day of the week. unless i buy two lots one just for show. aslo whats a DE?

I call it too keen. Yes, it can, for me. I cannot use .25 Diamond paste. As a matter of fact, if I buy a razor from someone, I can tell you if they used Diamond paste or not.

Can you get that in an engraved seven day set?

I think it is possible for a razor to be too sharp. The idea is that it should cut the hair and not the skin. It seems that for most people there is a level of sharpness that does these two things, but I don't see a reason why it would be the same for everybody.
Every person has different hair and skin as well as different skill about handling a razor.
You should be able to find something that works well for you the same way you have found DE blades that do.

Hmmm. I also like the shave with a DE after it's been used a couple of times. But, I started to think about it, because an ultrasharp SR gives a great shave.

I think it has something to do with the angle. You have very little control of the angle on a DE, but you have complete control of the angle on a SR.

At the moment I believe that there is no such thing as "too sharp razor". It could be DE or straight no matter.
I believe that everything depends on muscle memory.
Each blade & razor needs its own "touch" and that touch must transform due to many variables like Bart mentioned.
Some variables to mention
*lather
*balance
*stroke
*angle
*pressure
*soap or cream
*which manufacturers soap/cream
*shaving moment
*your feeling to shave
*your experience with that particular razor in your hand (muscle memory with that razor and especially with different variables)
*shaving time (hurry or not)
*prep work
*climate
*your stress factor
*your muscles stress factor
*your whiskers type
*your skin type
*how many days grown
*and so on & on & on

It is not only sharpness thing or how much pressure a man load into the blade.
But at the end..... it is fun and challenging to learn different razors.