Thread: Can it be TOO sharp?

Well written Jimbo

Yea Jimbo you should get a prize for that post.

I don't think I've seen it said here but I have seen plenty of threads on other forums where plenty of guys argue they like their razors to be a bit on the dull side. I never could understand these preferences. I guess these are the guys who buy a car and thing the engine is too powerful or they dine in a restaurant and think the meal tasted too good.

Razors that are too sharp are those that are used after you've been using one that wasn't really sharp in the first place.

Right or wrong I compare the Sharpness of my straights to the shave I receive from a Feather straight with a Feather blade; or a Norton type Shavette with a professional blade. I have 2 or 3 straights that really do come close. The others that I use are ok but really not of the same caliber . Probably my fault.

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

I just posted in a different thread that I recently bought a Dovo Bismark from Straight Razor Designs. I assume Lynn honed it but I gotta say that this blade feels alot sharper than my last. I mean it just slices thru. So much so that I feel like I better be damn careful. I came out with more nicks.

My other blade was professionally honed as well (not by Lynn) but it's not nearly as sharp. Makes me wonder if I'm botching up my stropping. Anyway, my question: is it possible that a blade be TOO sharp?

No. A blade can't be too sharp. You simply used the new razor the way you use your other razor which is less sharp. You have to adjust to the blade.

Excellent feedback, thanks guys. I asked this because I suspected the answer to be "no" and I fully embrace the idea that my technique is the fault here. But I ask because I really like all the feedback. Thanks again.

Great perspective Jimbo. I have been at it for two months. I have a razor that has been professionally honed that I use as a reference, It is what I have heard others call "wicked sharp." It has a tendency to bite more than my other two I have in the rotation. I chalk that up to my inexperience. Idk...

To me, some edges seem to want to bite into skin more than others. I don't think it's the sharpness, but the texture.