Thread: Can a razor be too sharp?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think honing a razor is a balancing act between having the edge so sharp it becomes too fragile and crumbles and microchips too easily. However I wouldn't call that too sharp I would just say the edge was ruined. I think a razor should be as sharp as possible while still giving good service with multiple shaves. I find when I get an uncomfortable shave thats the first sign a razor needs to go back to the hone. .25 diamond is a special case because of the way it cuts with those big xtls but even then the harsh shave usually lasts for 1 or maybe 2 shaves. Its much easier to overdo it with diamond because it cuts so fast and aggressively.

I'm of the school that a razor need to be as sharp as possible. If not then you start letting yourself do some of the work as opposed to the razor doing it and thats a recipe for cuts and nicks as you begin to apply pressure (ow it hurts to even write that).

That's how I feel as well.
I've never used .25, but if the edge is so thin it fails, then its no longer sharp it's broken

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

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I'm of the school that a razor need to be as sharp as possible. If not then you start letting yourself do some of the work as opposed to the razor doing it and thats a recipe for cuts and nicks as you begin to apply pressure (ow it hurts to even write that).

+1 This is my philosophy also. I love when my razors approach the sharpness of a Feather blade. The blade just glides over my face with no effort. As long as I apply no pressure, the razor inflicts no damage. I do have to stretch the skin, however.

G'day Colin
I had a similar experience to you. I always honed up to a Chinese 12K then stropped on leather. After adding the CrO strop to the equation I immediately nicked my self but I like the extra keenness. A lighter touch is needed & I find the edge settles after a few shaves but now I add a final pasted strop with Jewellers rouge after the CrO and get comfortable shaves immediately. Blades still pass the HHT, just a little more polished.