How much longer do I have to live?

You've heard the story about death by 1000 cuts... (this ties into honing...)

We'll I tried saving three with the JA Henckels straight that I just honed (see.. http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ggestions.html). The first was fine, though I just did a single pass to check the blade out, nothing very thorough. On the next two shaves, I ended up getting a cut each time. Not a tiny nick, but a full on cut. :(

The first cut was on the first pass, going downward. On my last stroke on the right side, the blade hit my ear lobe and made a 1/2 cut. :(

The second cut was on the first pass, right side, this time going downward by my sideburns. I know I goofed a bit, as I raised the heel slightly from my face (maybe 5 degrees). Doh!

Both were technique errors, but I was surprised at the latter cut and by the back to back cuts. It's been a long time, since I've done that (a good cut), almost always a lack of focus. Likely that is what I did here, but I'm wondering, as this was freshly honed (by me, which makes it more of a concern), whether there are additional problems.

Is it possible that I didn't hone the toe that well? Is it possible that I should consider taking a bit of the corner off the square point toe?

Two of the other razors I have are round nosed. One is a square point, which I did cut myself once, but that was when I was first starting out. I haven't had problems with that one since (I'm honing it right now and have another thread on it).

I tried to take some shots. It was hard, at higher magnification to get a well lit shot, and there may be some reflections and the like, but here they are...

Attachment 223937Attachment 223938Attachment 223939Attachment 223940Attachment 223941
Let me know what you think of the toe. It seems like the edge may be rough at the end, and it is quite pointed. Each of these is from the left side (when looking at the edge) of the toe, except for the last, which is the right side of the toe.

Any suggestions on if/what I should do (besides pay more attention! :)?

Thanks!

The 4th and 5th images of the toe don't look good to me, but you can test it with HHT (yeah I know). A not-too-sharp edge is a danger no doubt, but I don't think that with good technique (good stretch, good lather...) you'd have that problem, it would just tug and not cut well.

Now about that ear... That's where usually get a nick if I do. I wear glasses and when shaving up to my ear (always my right ear), I'm looking through those glasses lenses at a very narrow angle, and I think that affects my depth perception because it's always in the same place trying to do the same thing.

So maybe the razor could stand some work, but I wouldn't put all the blame on it.

Cheers, Steve

I would mute that corner a little, also possible that it was rounded a bit before and you've now sharpened it into more of a point. Got any before pics?

In the fourth pic the bevel at the toe does not appear to be set and the edge looks chippy. I would suggest resetting the bevel.

My sideburn areas are a major problem for me. I have to shave them across the grain or I will be cut. Even a round nose blade will open up the skin.

Every time I have an edge that looks like that I get at least an uncomfortable shave and am much more likely to scrape or cut myself. I think just hone it again, I can't really tell by the photos but I think a little session on 4K would likely clean that toe up. As far as muting the tip I would just drag it on the side of a hone, doesn't take much and won't "ruin" the look of a square point, but sure makes it more forgiving.

I have an issue with tiny nicks right near the edge of my right nostril when using a spike point razor. My solution is to mute the point ever so slightly. It is slight enough that you would not notice it without loupe and could very easily be honed out. I do agree that it appear there are some minor issues on the toe. Fix the toe and then mute it would be where I went with this blade.

It really is a matter of personal preference and ability. If you are not paying attention, then it is much easier to sink a spike point into your skin than it would be if the razor were a round point. Not all stupid mistakes can be prevented with edge modification though if you still want the edge to be able to shave. If you are concerned about the toe then you simply can dull the very apex of the point. You do not need to change the shape of the blade, just dull the very corner of the point on the side of a hone. Just one or two light strokes will be quite sufficient.

2 down, 998 to go. I'd say you've got a while before you need to start worrying. :tameshigiri:

I definitely made mistakes shaving, but I was getting worried that maybe there was something with the corner that was making this more likely (or less forgiving).

I think I'll try adjusting the corner. Once I dull it on the side of my stone, should I try honing some on the edge (the fourth pic seems to indicate it is rough, although other shots don't - maybe shadows are hiding it)?

I have Norton 4K, 8k, Naniwa SS 12k and CR-ox on a strop. What should I use for that?

Should I try some X strokes that focus on the toe? What grit?how often should I check with microscope to see if it improves?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dmnc

I would mute that corner a little, also possible that it was rounded a bit before and you've now sharpened it into more of a point. Got any before pics?

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Yes, I just honed this razor, and put a slew of photos on the progress here...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ggestions.html

Two passes along the side of the 8k stone - very lightly...

Attachment 223977

That looks about right. I tend to neuter my square points a wee bit more as I shaved with a spike point once and never again!

I'm going to go back to crying in my beer now.... I broke one of the scales on my Boker 1056.....<sob>.

Kaptain "Thankfully there's a new razor in the mail!" Zero

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

That looks about right. I tend to neuter my square points a wee bit more as I shaved with a spike point once and never again!

I'm going to go back to crying in my beer now.... I broke one of the scales on my Boker 1056.....<sob>.

Kaptain "Thankfully there's a new razor in the mail!" Zero

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Yeah, it may be possible that I just dodged a bullet with the 40+ shaves with my Union cutlery Spike... and the JA Henckels is reminding me to pay attention to my shaving.

I"ll have to see if I can hone that toe area more, and then try shaving with it and see how it feels.

After blunting that corner, I did some rolling X strokes, focusing on the toe, using the 12k Naniwa SS.

I test shaved with it today, and the shave was great. No irritation, close, and no blood letting :). It could be because I'm at defcon 2 with this razor, watching it like a hawk, making sure I make not mistakes while shaving. I guess it is ok to have the razor "set me straight" and make sure I don't get lazy with my shaving technique...

Nice. I'm a bit of a fan of round points or muted spikes. Tend to brush my ear with the tip. Don't see the point of risking my face when not necessary. Love the concentration/meditation of a shave with my straights, but don't see the need for sharp points. I use close to the tip for sideburns and would rip myself up if that tip weren't muted.