Thread: Can it be TOO sharp?

"Too sharp" comes up a bit. I for one find it a strange notion that something specifically designed for and dedicated to cutting whiskers could be "too sharp", but perhaps I am unique in that regard.

However, be that as it may, the stock answer to this question usually revolves around the subtle nuances of definition: "sharp" versus "smooth". "Sharp" refers to how close you can make those two sides of the edge get to each other without becoming a crumbling, fragile, unusable mess. "Smooth" refers to the gouges (or more precisely the lack thereof) present on the sides of the edge (the bevel).

Clearly both of these quantities play a role in generating a pleasant shave. A smooth-sided edge that doesn't meet at a close enough point will not cut any hairs (a classic case of an unset bevel that has been beautifully polished). A sharp edge that has a rough texture on the sides will feel rough and pully (one reason why we do not shave off a 1K stone).

So using those definitions, IMO it is impossible to have a razor that is "too sharp". One may argue that pushing the edge too far (overhoning) is "too sharp", but in fact an overhoned edge is not sharp at all since it generally folds or breaks off due to the weakened structure of the metal (this is the main reason we advocate NOT bevel-setting by creating a so-called "burr" - doing so is analogous to reverse parking your car by waiting until you feel it hit the car behind you...if you get to that point you have, by definition, already failed). However, it is quite possible that you could have an edge that is not smooth enough for your particular tastes - this is all about the finishing stones and pastes.

It is also quite possible that inexperience plays a role as well. I remember (fondly?) my early days of using straights and I recall the kinds of edges I thought were great back then. If someone had handed me the kinds of edges I use today back then I may well have thought they were "too sharp" as well. Your technique tends to develop around the edges you have, like a pearl that grows around a speck of grit in an oyster (though apparently that is not actually the case, but I digress...). What you want is to develop a beautiful, symmetric, lustrous pearl, not some misshapen, mud-coloured abomination. So again, this is one of the reasons why we always suggest getting a professionally honed edge on your first razors - if you start with the best, your technique will develop around it.

Good luck to you.

James.