Smooth vs. Smooth

OK, here's a followup to my Fast vs. Smooth thread, and a post there about slurry from Jnats.

I don't know if a slurry-moderated edge looks smoother than an edge of the same stone used just wet. Here the word "smooth" loses some utility. Does the smoothest edge as seen in a microscope give the smoothest feeling shave? Or can that perfectly smooth-looking edge actually give a harsh shave?

Do I understand correctly that the slurry actually dulls the edge a little, and that's what creates the smoother feeling shave?

Also, do I understand correctly that a harsh-feeling blade comes from a blade either being too toothy (keen, but with too low a grit) or from being too keen?

Assume that shave prep is all correct. I'm trying to "be the edge" as I puzzle this out.

Many many thanks!

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Originally Posted by roughkype

OK, here's a followup to my Fast vs. Smooth thread, and a post there about slurry from Jnats.

I don't know if a slurry-moderated edge looks smoother than an edge of the same stone used just wet. Here the word "smooth" loses some utility. Does the smoothest edge as seen in a microscope give the smoothest feeling shave? Or can that perfectly smooth-looking edge actually give a harsh shave?

Do I understand correctly that the slurry actually dulls the edge a little, and that's what creates the smoother feeling shave?

Also, do I understand correctly that a harsh-feeling blade comes from a blade either being too toothy (keen, but with too low a grit) or from being too keen?

Assume that shave prep is all correct. I'm trying to "be the edge" as I puzzle this out.

Many many thanks!

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IMHO a good looking edge is a good thing, but not an absolute assurance you will have the best shave. It is desireable, but not the final word on smoothness.

Toothy blades can afford smooth shaves if you do a search on the forum you will find that members were able to get smooth shaves from low grit stones finshed with Jnats if i remember.

Slurries on some stones dull edges like cotis and IME on German stones and Jnats not at all from my experience.

I think it is very hard to quantify everything you do and simplify the results as you did. One thing is for sure, a properly finished edge that is sharp will give you a smoooth shave. There are many ways to get there, but all afford great shaves with subtle differences.

The way the edge looks often has nothing to do with how it shaves or feels when you use it. Slurry usually increases the cutting ability of the stone making it work faster and more aggressive. You just need to establish a honing routine and decide what hones and grits you prefer and how you will use them and as you get proficient your results will get better, A razor being both sharp and smooth feeling is the mark of a proficient honer.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The way the edge looks often has nothing to do with how it shaves or feels when you use it. Slurry usually increases the cutting ability of the stone making it work faster and more aggressive. You just need to establish a honing routine and decide what hones and grits you prefer and how you will use them and as you get proficient your results will get better, A razor being both sharp and smooth feeling is the mark of a proficient honer.

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Amen!! Anybody can do sharp, anybody can do smooth, you have to be able to put them together. That takes practice and experience to find your particular method.