Thread: How sharp is sharp?

Thanks for all the replies. I gave a rough break down of my progression because I knew if I didn't someone was bound to ask for it! I don't think there is any problem with my honing/stropping process Euclid440, but the point about large jumps in grit size is appreciated. As I said, I can get a very nice edge and am aware of the pitfalls of honing/stropping. My question was: Does anyone know if it is possible to reach a point where a razor is so sharp that it can get no sharper and if so, is there some way of determining when that point has been reached. My gut tells me that the only way to judge this would be with a high mag microscope. I currently use a 400x and the edges are scratch free (more or less). In the end I believe the quality of the steel would be the deciding factor on just how sharp a razor can get, but if you had a razor of the best quality steel, surely there must come a point where it can get no sharper.

Your right about there been a point when you can go no further.

Steel can only go so far, And If you want to go higher then you have to start reducing the edge angle. At that point your edge has no strength and will disintegrate.

If you want a material that can go to ludicrous speed then you need to look into Obsidian.

Though not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on humans, obsidian is used by some surgeons for scalpel blades, as well-crafted obsidian blades have a cutting edge many times sharper than high-quality steel surgical scalpels, the cutting edge of the blade being only about 3 nanometers thick.[35] Even the sharpest metal knife has a jagged, irregular blade when viewed under a strong enough microscope; when examined even under an electron microscope an obsidian blade is still smooth and even.

Obsidian - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I like variety so I like to mix in different edges. If you get a Jnat or 2 or 20(LOL) you can experiment how much you can change the feel of the shave by adjusting the amount or lack of slurry you finish on. You can get 10 different edges off of the same stone easy. Thats something you cant really do IMO with synthetics.

Years ago Sham once posted something like the thing to know about honing a razor is when to stop. That only comes with time and experience IMO. I've honed a few razors beyond what is comfortable for me to shave with. Now I sneak up on it and when I think I've got it where I want it I shave test. It is either good enough, or back to the finishing stones it goes. For me it is kind of cut and try, not definite by itself without the ultimate shave test.

IIRC, Verhoeven measured straight razor edges at 0.35-0.45 microns across.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

IIRC, Verhoeven measured straight razor edges at 0.35-0.45 microns across.

Beyond my expertise .........

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Beyond my expertise .........

Don't have an Electron Microscope Jimmy ?

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Don't have an Electron Microscope Jimmy ?

Got outbid by $0.50 in the last few seconds ........

I toldja to stay off eBay.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

IIRC, Verhoeven measured straight razor edges at 0.35-0.45 microns across.

+1 to this and he uses a DE blade for comparison (Gillette I think). If I remember he used a laser pointed at the edge and it split onto a scale behind it measuring the edge. Something like that. Unless you have some means to measure its nearly impossible to tell but I think the highest standard is to get one as sharp as a DE or close enough that you ant tell the difference. Is all steel capable? I don't know but I have a few razors that when I shave with my shavette on one side and the straight razor on the other I can't tell any difference. It just may be that my face is a clump of scar tissue? Either way I am happy with these edges and can't see them getting any sharper or smoother but then again....a new level on the horizon?