Thread: Probably a really stupid question

Ok, so this is probably a real dumb question, but you know what they say. The only stupid question is the one that is never asked. So here we go. Again, bear with me.

Can a sharpening steel be used to refresh a razor? There, I have said it, now shoot me. I am guessing that the answer is a solid "NO! you dumb smuck!" I would think that the edge of a straight is just too delicate and that the steel is just too abrasive. I haven't tried it and I wouldn't intend to. Just wanted to ask.

I am getting a pasted paddle from Tony to refresh my blade.

Matt

There's an experiment with knife steels going on currently... results are inconclusive as of yet...

Edit: I should add that knife steels perform essentially the same function for knives as leather strops do for razors. The question under investigation is whether they perform differently for razors.

Edit 2: It ain't me. It's a former member.

Hey, no question here is considered forbidden. This one has been asked before. And the answer is.....

No...sharpening steels are not for straight razors. It will damage your edge.


Scott

Yeah, I tried to do a search on it, but I couldn't find anything, maybe I was in the wrong section. Anyway, that is what I figured, but still decided to ask anyway.

Matt

As has been said, a steel would damage the extremely thin, fragile edge of a razor. When a knife is made, you're usually dealing with thicknesses of around .020" thick before an edge is put on. With a razor,the concept is the same, but with edge thicknesses of around .002-.003. A steel would break this edge out.

Originally Posted by Kentriv

Can a sharpening steel be used to refresh a razor?

I noticed some thin square-ish notches on the edge of a Goldedge after several months use of a Lynn honing. I had developed a habit of wiping the blade across the edge - another story.
I took the Goldedge and a couple of other to a local knife sharpening service that basically hones the edge on a wheel. The sharpener then ran a couple of passes on a sharpening steel, suggested I strop the sh_t out of them and I'd be good to go. Tried it and attempted to shave. Worse str8 shave ever!
Then I got really smart. Since the steel didn't work, I'd try a diamond file. Tried it, second worse shave. I ended up sending all three to Lynn and guess what - scary sharp, flawless shaves.
Have since purchased Norton 100/1k, 4k/8k stone set and Thiers strop and paste. Haven't needed 'em yet.
Maybe with the right technique a steel would work. For me, I'll stick with SRP coventional wisdom and use proven tools
DRazz Newb

A butcher's steel isn't really a sharpening or honing device. It's use is to straighten the feathered edge of the blade so they're all pointing in the same direction. Butchering meat is a very different process (from the blade's point of view) than shaving. Nevertheless, when you get these ideas, try it! You never know. Just do it lightly. Keep experimenting and keep learning.

Originally Posted by Howard

Butchering meat is a very different process ... than shaving.

Not for many newbies.

I know it wasn't for me, with my enthusiasm and shiny Zeepk wannabe blade...

Josh