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Hello everyone. I just bought a new Ralf Aust 7/8 round toe. It was honed prior to being shipped. When I got it I noticed that I could still see a fairly thick and deep scratch pattern on the edge. I shaved with it and really was a so-so shave. Do different razors have different shave ready scratch patterns? I have recently been able to successfully start honing off a naniwa ss progression and I typically look for a mirror finish on the edge prior to considering it have ready. Thoughts?
Can I ask where you bought it and/or who honed it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chugach68
I would rather keep all parties names anonymous as I don't know if different razors display different characteristics of scratch pattern, or if the stones dictate that.
I would have to say if it was Pro honed that you should NOT be able to see ANY scratch patterns on the edge. :shrug:
If pro honed and the shave is not up to par,send it back,simple.
Agree, all the razors that have been honed for me by well known members have been excellent. I have seen youtube vids of people honing gold dollar razors and having shave success with them. Now I don't know if the edge holds up for multiple shaves but does show that correct honing will produce a shavable edge, and if the razor is quality it should keep that edge with proper care.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chevhead
The question that hasn't really been asked or answered here is can you see the scratch pattern with the naked eye or under magnification? Secondly, and I'm guessing you've had a few shaves under your belt if you're honing, but how many times have you shaved with a straight?
It may be your just not used to that size of a blade ? I use mostly 5/8 and a couple of 6/8. I just finished an 8/8 and the shave was less than fantastic. I have used it 4 times now and it's getting better each shave :<0) Just trying to help you think of everything. Sometimes I get stuck on an idea and it turns out to be something else.
Im not an expert but for me I don't feel 1k scratch patterns based on the scope. If you see slight 1k scratches under maginification(30x) I would think that's certainly acceptable. But the shave wasn't good so that's a reason to look further as to why.
Did you give it a good strop before shaving? That is what I have had to do with razors that were pre honed at time of purchase.
To answer several of the questions above. I used a loupe to look at the scratch patterns, I will look to see if I can see them with the naked eye tonight, but all my other razors reflect a mirror shiny finish after my pregression of naniwa 1k, 5k, 8k, 12k and crox. I have been using a straight razor for 3 years now and typicaly use a 7/8 razor. I also stropped the razor well prior to the first shave.
I guess back to the original post, should all razors have the shiny smooth edge or do certain razors naturally show a deeper scratch pattern.
You will see a scratch pattern on just about any razor depending on the angle you view the bevel at. But 1k scratch patterns are really rough looking. I use a hand microscope to view my bevels when I'm workng on them. Its a 200x scope. I can see scratches at just about every stage. But as I said, there's a difference between 1k scratch patterns and what you end up with after say your 12k finish. But to answer your question, I've never seen a razor that showed scratch patterns more than another. In the end, its all quality steel and should polish up just like any other quality steel. When you say that the shave you got from it was just ok, what does that specifically mean? Was there pulling? Did it feel rough and/or leave a lot of irritation? It sounds to me like your razor may not have received the attention it was supposed to. I would contact the seller and speak to them about the issue. They may be perfectly willing to adjust it for you, no questions asked. I've heard that some of the guys that hone for other users sometimes hone groups of razors together at one grit, then move the whole group to the next grit rather than running each blade through each stage one at a time. Maybe yours recieved its lower grit treatment but somehow missed the fine tuning. Put a call or an email in to the vendor and give them a chance to make matter right.
Personally, I don't think scratch patterns have much to do with shaveability. They will depend on the finishing media and the type of strokes used and the razor metal too. You can polish an edge to mirror shine and it may not shave worth a continental.
The shave pulled and left irritation...I really didn't want to send it back just to get re-honed, but I had to do something. I gave it the thumbnail test and the first 3/4 was smooth as could be, however the last 1/4 of the edge closest to the heel jumped and skipped more than a ballet dancer does! That's the area where I could see deep/wide scratch pattern. I had to do it 3 or 4 times again because I couldn't believe what I was seeing and feeling! End of story was I put the razor to my Naniwa SS 8k and 12k, and as suspected, the edge cleaned and shined right up for me. I will be shave testing it this evening.
bigspendurs right. Don’t get too hung up on scratch patterns. They may tell certain things but the edge is where it’s happening.
Mike
Here are scratch patterns.
http://i.imgur.com/L1A1aMS.jpg
from a car wash.
HOT DOG!!!! After honing it on the 8k and 12k it gave an amazingly smooth shave! The 7/8 Ralf Aust razors have a bit of heft on the spine and really shaves like something between a hollow and quarter grind. I am really gonna enjoy this razor!
I on the other hand believe they may well be an indicator that the edge might not be ok.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Unless one honed with a micro bevel, those scratches will go all the way out to the very edge.
So I would say it's the other way round, if it got no scratches and the bevel is mirror smooth, that doesn't say the edge is good.
But, if the bevel has scratches I would be surprised if the edge were perfect!