Thread: Sharpness of razor compared to Feather disposable blades

Hi guys

I'm new to shaving with razor, and other stuff like honing, stropping etc...
I have quite a strong facial hair.
I'm sure it is my fault, and I have long way to go, but the razor I'm preparing pulls my hair when shaving against the grout.
The feather disposable blade does not.
Can You sharpen your blade using Norton 4/8k stone to be as sharp as the disposable blades ?
do I need 12k stone for that ?
Is stropping actually sharpens the blade, or just smooths the edges ?
Thank You for help
Lucas

Experience with honing razors helps to, it's a different skill set than knives, and until you understand what a real razor edge feels like you might not get it, as to the feather they are sharp, but if your edge that you prepared is dragging then it's your edge. And getting another stone won't make a difference unless you have it right at the 8k level, Tc

First, what razor do you have and where did you get it?

Do you know if it was competently honed before you got it?

Have you successfully done wet shaving with a safety razor? I ask this because pre-shave prep is critical.

What strop do you have?

Are you confident in your stropping ability?

Do you have a Norton 4/8? Please do not bother buying any other hone until you can master your Norton, if you do in fact have one. Buying more hones will NOT (repeat NOT) in any way improve your ability to hone.

Stropping re-aligns the edge. When you shave the very fine edge is bent over. Stropping is done to bend the edge back into a (relatively) perfect "V" shape.

Hi.
Thank you for getting back.
It is a new dovo 5/8 micarta.
I Just feel like it is not as sharp as the disposable blades, and this is frustrating.
So as far as I understand your opinions, it is achievable to get the sharpness of feather blades with 8k stone..
I need to practice more..
Thank You.


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Technique is a HUGE factor for straight razors. Feather blades are really sharp and relatively stupid easy to use. Straight razors require more ability.

That ability both is in the shave and in the honing. I assume that you are new to both. Have you honed the razor yet?

Hi.
Yes i have and this is what I was comparing it to.
So straight razor I have honed and stopped, and the disposable insert to feather straight razor.
And I must tell you, feather wins..
I used piramid technique to hone the blade...


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OK, then how did it shave before you honed it? Do you know if it was honed beyond the factory edge before you honed it?

I'm no hone expert but I am going to add my 2 cents. First my findings were that straight razors are not as sharp as DE blades I was using the same ones in my shavette and de razors. That being said, I am now finding this was my fault. I am getting better technique with my straight razor, I am slowly improving my honing both in understanding and skill. I can't say anything about feather blades as I have never used them cheaper blades work fine for me. So skill with the straight over time will get you as comfortable as shave as I would assume any blade. Honing takes a lot of time, my experience is not repeatable every time but I learn every time. There are lots of variables and difference from straights to other methods I wish you luck.

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ejmolitor37, I think that you got it exactly right.

Oh, and about 15 years later, I too am "slowly improving my honing both in understanding and skill."

I have had 2 blades honed by great guys, Lynn and Glen. And having those to base a shave ready razor off of makes a big difference. I think my stropping is what is really making a marked improvement. But comparing DE blades to a straight is not apples to apples my opinion.

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