Thread: Razor vs. DE blade

Originally Posted by uthed

So, to summarize, I dunno' either.

I think your right on the money David.
Of course there are probably alot of reasons for the various differences between the open razor and the safety razor.. but the geometry, mass and angle of approach with the open razor are the reasons it works so well consistantly.

Not only do you have the heaver blade (the cleaver), that in its sheer mass make moving the razor across the stubble easier... but you have a lot more steel behind the cutting edge. This strengthens the edge so it last longer and cuts more consistantly( thats why once you get a straight sharp you only have to strop it, while actual sharpening is needed once or twice a year).

The safety razor blade will have a very thin (low mass) body and there fore cannot move across the face as smoothly even with the added weight of the razor. Its bound to "vibrate" even if on a micro-level causing a "hit and miss" type of cutting action.. kind of like when you drag a squeege across a window at a steep angle.. you get a rapid skipping action as opposed to a clean sweep so to speak.

As I recall not all DE blades are equally sharp either. Some brands are consistently better than others.

Hal

Originally Posted by superfly

Can straight razor blade be sharper than the factory honed DE blade?

Yes.

Short answer: More time/tools put into sharpening; (probably) better steel.

I've seen footage of a DE blade-making machine. It had a strip of steel that ran through two "buffing wheels" and a water shower. A person can do a lot more work on the blade. Whenever I touch up a razor I use 3 different grit barber hones, a paste strop, and my leather/canvas strop. If I'm restoring a razor I start at even lower grits and work my way up. I highly doubt that today's DE manufacture's use as many different levels when polishing their factory-made blades. That 0.25 micron diamond paste from classicshaving is probably finer then what they use for their final polishing phase. The bottom line is, they are mass-producing their blades, while a person can use exactly the right tools and technique for their blade.

Even the best DE blade is meant to be disposable. A straight razor isn't. While I have my own personal gripes with today's str8 manufacturers for not even using as good materials as many production pocket-knife companies, I think they still use better materials then go into a DE blade. A DE blade is meant to be thrown away. That's why Gelette got rich -- he realized that the way to make money was off of people buying lots of cheep DE blades, instead of one good razor. Even with the same grade materials, a lot more time goes into producing a straight razor then a DE blade.

I think the beefier design of a str8 razor also allows them to be tempered harder then a DE blade. Even with workmanship and matterials being equal (which they aren't!), I would give the edge to the str8. A DE blade is just a tiny strip of metal -- there's just not as much to work with as with a str8!

--Vincent

I am confused. Why use a DE when you can use a straight? Am I missing somthing. Sorry but isn't a DE just an old mach3 with sharp sides? :twisted:

Originally Posted by RichZ

I am confused. Why use a DE when you can use a straight? Am I missing somthing. Sorry but isn't a DE just an old mach3 with sharp sides? :twisted:

Ever experienced alcohol withdrawl? LOL

LOL OK

Well, if you're gonna use one as I do on the road sometimes, try the feather platinum blades that Ray sells. Very niiiiice. :roll: Someone mention alchohol??? I'll take a Bud!! Lynn

Originally Posted by Chaaaz

then stropped on a TI .5 micron diamond-pasted linen strop

You put the diamond paste on a linen strop, Chaaaz? I thought unconditioned leather was the accepted surface for pastes.

~Tim ink:

We need to add something to this thread that has been overlooked and impacts a lot on everyone's theories.

The Feather str8 uses a disposable blade (a much heavier one) and it is machine made, but it is every bit as sharp as a str8 honed to perfection. Most barbers today will shave you with a Shavette or a Feather. Is there anyone here who can do better than a professional barber's shave?

The Feather works best with no pressure, just like a DE.

I've been using a DE for a long time and I can shave baby smooth with one. I'm pretty sure you couldn't tell the difference when I'm finished shaving. The difference is that the srt8 seems less irritating and it takes longer for the stubble to grow back, so it must be a closer shave.