Thread: old razor toe wear, an observation

So many old and worn examples are almost cone shaped-- you have to wonder if barber training was to put positive pressure towards the point to keep it flat on the hone-- or do humans naturally put more pressure to that end ?

Bad honing habits, like too much pressure especially uneven pressure while using an improper x stroke, where the toe stays on the stone longer than the entirety of the blade. just a couple of things that can do this.

The old barbers manuals that I read suggested putting pressure on the toe and heel for one stroke and then one stroke normal to promote a smile and to steer away from frowns, but heavy toe wear I think is from the user putting to much pressure on the toe being afraid that the razor would lift from the stone. I have found myself causing more mistakes when I worry about the outcome. Who knows though maybe some barber schools taught different methods.