Thread: Blade Chipping??

Originally Posted by OGlenn

Shaving for 2-3 months with a razor can cause chips that that are visible to the naked eye? That is interesting.

Any blade that is used repeatedly over time will break down. That's what happens when it gets dull. How long that takes depends on the cutting medium, the individual blade, and the individual using the blade.

The Bengall I'm currently has a couple chips in it that I don't worry too much about. I sharpened it to a satisfactory edge, and got them down quite a bit, then decided to not worry about them until they give problems. I figure that if it's doing it's job, then why waste the steel. I'll do the same with my pocket knives.

In regards to shaving and not knives, I understand the edge will wear down over time, but I never thought the wear from shaving alone would get to the point you can actually see chips. I can feel the dullness long before I can see it and would do something about it like honing it, but that's just me. I've never seen a blade of mine chip from shaving, but I'm learning it is possible.

Originally Posted by OGlenn

In regards to shaving and not knives, I understand the edge will wear down over time, but I never thought the wear from shaving alone would get to the point you can actually see chips. I can feel the dullness long before I can see it and would do something about it like honing it, but that's just me. I've never seen a blade of mine chip from shaving, but I'm learning it is possible.

Yeah, I don't know what it takes to chip a razor edge from shaving. I would just imagine that it is eventually possible if the edge is neglected.

Here's what I use.



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closeup of the chip.


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It is also possible that Bengall had a micro pit at the edge due to rust & it has chipped there for whatever reason. Shaving stropping, honing can all do it.
Here's an example

The ultimate test to see the shavability of a blade is the shave test. If you are still comfortably shaving with your blade I would be in no hurry to send it out. This is not to say your blade is in good condition, I am saying it is in good enough condition.

You are probably like me and not oversensitive to dulling blades. I keep a disposible razor in my car and dry shave at the red lights. I think my face skin should be refered to as leather or human hide.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

It is also possible that Bengall had a micro pit at the edge due to rust & it has chipped there for whatever reason. Shaving stropping, honing can all do it.
Here's an example

I suppose (didn't intend to hijack the thread). It was pretty clean when I got it. Bad pic, but it does mirror shine. I don't think the antique dealer cleaned it up, and figured it was just taken well care of.

IMHO....If you have a chip of any size always have it re honed, if you are not good at honing and it's dull...have it re honed. If ever in doubt,don't take shortcuts...unless yer into blade abuse and spending extra money to buy new blades. It's yer baby,treat her well and she will do the same.Nuff Said Or as my Awesome Stepfather(RIP) used to say...let your conscience be your guide.

Originally Posted by ghostrider

closeup of the chip.


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That's a bit too big to be caused by hairs imho. I would definitely send it off to be hones, especially if you still have the free honing certificate from SRD, or Stubear's generous offer.

Originally Posted by markevens

That's a bit too big to be caused by hairs imho. I would definitely send it off to be hones, especially if you still have the free honing certificate from SRD, or Stubear's generous offer.

Thanks but it isn't necessary. It shaves fine. No burn, and it's actually fun to shave with.

ETA:
And yes, it was much bigger before honing. I wouldn't have needed macro to shoot it before.