Thread: Double plunge lines?

Please go easy on me, I'm new to razors. But whyyyy do some razors have a double plunge line??

Originally Posted by markjeffrey

Please go easy on me, I'm new to razors. But whyyyy do some razors have a double plunge line??

being new to straights is no problem. For me i'm just trying to figure out what a plunge line is.

I believe the OP is referring to the double stabiliser found on some razors.

Originally Posted by DrDalton

I believe the OP is referring to the double stabiliser found on some razors.

I think so - looked it up and looks like knife-making terminology for something similar to a stabilizer/shoulder.

Sorry guys, I thought everyone called it a plunge line.. The area where the grind would start. Some razors have two, one shallower than the other, just wondering the reason for this. I originally posted in the custom build section but this must have gotten moved. Thanks

Originally Posted by markjeffrey

Sorry guys, I thought everyone called it a plunge line.. The area where the grind would start. Some razors have two, one shallower than the other, just wondering the reason for this. I originally posted in the custom build section but this must have gotten moved. Thanks

You might find this section on razor anatomy nomenclature to be useful The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library as a reference.

Bob

When razors started getting being ground more hollow there were issues with support of the material. A single stabilizer / plunge line was used to provide some support. Some makers used two stabilizers to incrementally increase the hollowness. You can see other ways makers tried to stabilize the long thin blade with a "belly" grind. Lemme see if I can find some pics...



Hope this helps it make sense a bit.

Originally Posted by markjeffrey

Please go easy on me, I'm new to razors. But whyyyy do some razors have a double plunge line??

Now that i know what it is i can give my opinion. I really would prefer the no shoulder blade. easier to hone and for me easier to use.

Originally Posted by rhensley

Now that i know what it is i can give my opinion. I really would prefer the no shoulder blade. easier to hone and for me easier to use.

Yup, I am with you 100% on that. Love a shoulderless blade for honing and for shaving with especially when using the heel.

Bob

Originally Posted by rhensley

Now that i know what it is i can give my opinion. I really would prefer the no shoulder blade. easier to hone and for me easier to use.

A properly ground razor with double plunge lines should be as easy to hone as a shoulderless blade, because the shoulders should not normally touch the stone, though admittedly it is usually a close call. That said, they only serve a purpose on full hollow razors.

Mind you, with a bit of practice, the existence of the shoulder lines should not have any effect on how you hone the blade.