And of course, as you point out, the actual height of the BEVEL will determine the width can use a piece of stock, even one that might normally be a tad too "thin" if you measured all the way from the spine. That is a significant consideration say in the event that one of us could somehow get hold of the unobtanium 3/16/4.5-5mm thick AEB-L stock. Perfect stainless razor steel but typical not available in perfect or even close to suitable thickness for straights. unless you want to make a French style frame back.
Quote Originally Posted by bluesman7 View Post
Of course a ratio describes an angle just as accurately as any other method. What peeves me a bit is that people use these same ratios, but measure differently or to different places on the razor, and act as though that doesn't effect the angle. One person using the 1/4 ratio always measured the full height of the razor regardless of how far up the actual grind line was relative to the top of the spine.

Also people argue that anything between 15-20 degrees will shave fine. That is true, but I feel a considerable difference in how those two angles shave and I much prefer the feel of an edge with a bevel angle closer to 15 degrees. This may be subjective on my part because when I make or hone a razor I always know the bevel angle before the test shave.YMMV