Thread: New to Straight Razors, What am i missing ?? Blade not sharp

Folks, cutting a piece of writing paper or similar won't likely harm an edge. At least not in a way that couldn't be fixed by stropping it. Think about it - whiskers are far tougher than paper and one can shave for months without needing to touch up a razor.

Originally Posted by JeffR

Folks, cutting a piece of writing paper or similar won't likely harm an edge. At least not in a way that couldn't be fixed by stropping it. Think about it - whiskers are far tougher than paper and one can shave for months without needing to touch up a razor.

you wiskers are also cut at a controlled angle, who know how the paper tried to flap around and or pull on the edge. there is a bit of lateral force on a blade during those cuts, especially if the cutter is good and consistent with them. im not saying its a guarantee to mess up a blade, just that i can see the possibility.

Well it seems logically the next step would be to cut up some printer paper and shave test the edge. I have done it already. Razors aren't for cutting paper. Try it.

I just have to say cutting paper, EVEN if it's not going to harm the edge, proves nothing, surely? Has anyone heard, on this fine forum, of the paper cutting test (PCT)?

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I just have to say cutting paper, EVEN if it's not going to harm the edge, proves nothing, surely? Has anyone heard, on this fine forum, of the paper cutting test (PCT)?

no but if you want i'm sure we could work up some test parameters and evaluation standards. it cannot be and more useless of that test than the hht.

Originally Posted by syslight

no but if you want i'm sure we could work up some test parameters and evaluation standards. it cannot be and more useless of that test than the hht.

Oh it can be, I have cut paper with known dull knives & nice clean paper cuts with swords that wont shave. Plus you will have noobs complaining about the styptic stinging all the paper cuts they got in the process.

Originally Posted by jaswarb

Well it seems logically the next step would be to cut up some printer paper and shave test the edge. I have done it already. Razors aren't for cutting paper. Try it.

Respectfully, that's a fair suggestion. After cutting this 20# printer paper this morning, my razor shaved great - without even stropping:

Carl,
since you are near dallas i would suggest contacting larry at whippeddog ... you might even be able to get some pointers in person that would definitely speed your progress.

jim

Originally Posted by JeffR

Respectfully, that's a fair suggestion. After cutting this 20# printer paper this morning, my razor shaved great - without even stropping:

No disrespect taken I like differing opinions as their resolution is for me the best teacher.
Well this isn't one of those issues I would believed YMMV. I have done the paper trick as well and the edge was not kind to my face. I have very abrasion sensitive skin. Edge smoothness is a very big factor for comfort when I shave. Now it looks as though with such divergent results we need a double blind study.

I am curious as to the method you chose to cut the paper. Since the slice is so long and straight may I correctly assume you cut it on the backer board in the photo while guilding it with a straight edge?

Is it me or is this thread drifting out to sea?

Jaswarb,

I agree with you, this paper-cutting exercise is very subjective and not something to recommend people do. Especially razor salesman.

You know, that surprised me; I cut that printer paper by holding it up in my left hand and cutting it from the top downward in one smooth stroke on the first and only try. I'm not sure that I could repeat that!


carl16732,
My apologies for diverting this thread. The suggestions given by the other guys to meet with an experienced straight razor shaver and to have your razor professionally honed are good ones. They no doubt earnestly want you to have success and enjoyment with wet shaving.

Sincerely,
Jeff