Thread: How sharp is sharp?

From the moment the razor can give you a comfortable shave, it's sharp enough, and there is no reason to go beyond that.

Another interesting question is, when sharp is too sharp?
Too sharp to make your shave not enjoyable. And I'm not just talking about a "harsh" edge.
A few months ago I tried to hone a kamisori I have with its classic technique. For finisher I used a sigma 13k, 10 passes on 0.3 micron CeO and stropping on plain leather.
The result was, the skin of my face was bleeding without any visible cuts. After wiping the blood, it looked like I never bled, but my skin was very sensitive the next few days. It was just too darn sharp. And I have had similar experiences with my Jnats. That's why I finish my edges with thick slurry with them. As for the kamisori, coticules and Chinese stones are my preferred ones.

For your question, you'll need a good microscope. Look at the edge after the finisher, and again, after stropping on plain leather, under many angles. If you see signs of degradation after stropping, you've reached that point. Or something like that.
And, I don't think we are talking about the possibilities of steel. It's a shaving question, so, try different stones, pastes, leathers, and shave to see for yourself.
I have to warn you though that it will be a complete waste of time. If you like your shaves, stay with what you have.