Thread: Match stick Test??

I hope I'm calling it by the the correct name but could some one be kind enough to describe the "Match Stick test"to me . I've over sharpen a razor and I'm looking to back it down a notch with out dragging out the hone and starting over. I've looked at the bevel under the the microscope and it looks great. No wire edge. It's way to sharp for me. I normally stop at .5 chromium oxide but this time went on to the .25 paste and the shave is much to harsh. I need to back it down. Can I do this with pastes or do I need to use another approach?? I've heard of the Match Stick Test but I'm not sure of the correct way to do it. Thanks Kim

Kim,

While I haven't heard of the match stick test maybe someone else has. However try this Strop your razor about 40 trips up and back and then shave. It shouldn't be quite as sharp the next time.

The match stick "technique" is not a test but here is what the idea is. You simply run the blade (lengthwise?) over the match stick or for safety reasons vice a versa. It is designed to tear off the wire edge. Since you assume there isn't one I'm not sure it would work well in this case. Another option is to run it through cork if you have it. I think the stropping idea might be better. If it were me, I would run it one pass on a low grit and start over or back hone very, very, lightly on a very high grit. I think you'll probably be starting over regardless, but we'll see.

Congrats btw...lots of guys would love this problem!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Congrats btw...lots of guys would love this problem!

I know I do..

A wooden matchstick is used to remove a wire edge (hopefuly). Sometimes it works and sometimes not.

Backing down the sharpness of a blade is difficult. So far the only thing that has worked for me is to use the wooden matchstick technique. It is very simple, just run the razor across the matchstick using a gentle pressure. To find out the results you will have to test shave. I would perform 20 laps on the 0.5 micron before shaving.

I hope other's will post some ideas. It does sound like the razor is over honed even if you cannot see the wire edge.

Hope this helps,

I agree on the overhoned edge. I think an edge feels overhoned before it shows valid signs of the condition, atleast at 60x. I found this condition easy to replicate using pastes on a hanging strop or using too many passes on a paddle.

I remember reading in a post a while ago that a barber used to run a newly honed blade down a bar of soap, I think with the purpose of dulling it down. Please don't ask me to explain this cause I don't understand it. Just thought it might trigger someone's memory that can explain it.

Usually if the shave is too harsh the reason is either a wire edge or the blade is not sharp enough so the question you have to ask yourself is are you sure you have a wire edge. Actually many will tell you that with a wire edge its not just harshness but you just don't get a very good shave either. Just because you used the fine grit what makes you sure you have a wire edge? I would backhone on a 8K one or two strokes and that should break it off if thats the problem. If it is still harsh I think the problem is that its not sharp enough. And I've never heard of the matchstick test either.

And please we must get out of the habit of calling a wire edge a too sharp edge in reality its a ruined edge plain and simple.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

And please we must get out of the habit of calling a wire edge a too sharp edge in reality its a ruined edge plain and simple.

I'm for that.

I tried backhoning on the 8k with a wirededge and it helped but didn't cure the problem. I'd do a small pyramid to rebuild the edge. Probably wouldn't need much pressure outside the first few strokes.

If you still want to try the matchstick thing, I wonder if soaking the stick in water for a minute or so might soften the wood enough to have a gentler effect on the stable parts of the edge while still being able to catch the wire.

X

Now that I have had some sleep I will try to answer you better. The wooden match stick works when the blade is definitely overhoned and has a wire edge. The wood will take off some of the wire. That should be followed by a very little time on the hones. First start with 5 back honing strokes and then a regular 3/5, 1/5,1/5,1/5 then on to the pastes and a strop, then test shave. Repeat as necessary.

Thanks to all you guys for the memory jog this early in the morning!