Thread: Unforgiving blade

Originally Posted by ibixon

When I shave with J.A. Henkel's, it is very smooth ( which I would call forgiving), however Boker is pretty harsh, the same is with Theirs Issard which I just received new from France, and it was honed there, it's sharp as hell, but also harsh (unforgiving). The TI has a French nose which I like, but makes me more alert. I hope the harshness will go away after a few shaves. I've never tried wedge, and I don't know anything about grind, but I'm inclined to think that heavier razors are in general easier to shave with.

Sounds like the 3 razors were honed by different honers and depending on the type of hones used and how they were used might be the difference you are feeling. You can have a sharp edge that is harsh or you can have a harp edge that is sharp and smooth too. The later is the one I want.

When I think of an unforgiving blade it is the spike point blade I think of regardless of grind. All the other point styles I find to be more forgiving of a momentary lack of concentration.

Bob

+1 with Bob

Too much time spent on finishing hones or pastes can leave a harsh edge irrespective of a forgiving or unforgiving razor.