Quote Originally Posted by Chimensch View Post
As for honemeisters honing defensively, when you sharpen a razor for someone else, you have no control over their technique, so you make sure the razor is sharp. Unfortunately, the result is that new shavers think that the razor has to be that sharp to shave with and it doesn't.
OK, now I understand your point. Thanks for the clarification.
Just how sharp to make a razor is a question that I thought about and decided by bringing the edge to a level of sharpness that suits me. I chose not to get them so sharp that it cut me just by laying the blade on my cheek or giving me a bunch of "weepers". IMHO that is to sharp.

However, we cannot be responsible for a newbs inexperienced/unrealistic expectations regarding sharpness, smoothness, feel, or durability of the edge. The new guys will eventually figure out what they really like. It is not my responsibility to read tea leaves & figure out what kind of an edge would suit them. That is not only impossible but over time a guy will change their mind as to what kind of edge suits them.

I do agree that a new guy may very well be baffled by the apparent complexity of all the hones, grit,pastes. when it simply is not necessary. We really need to work on that.

Technique's to overcome a lacking in the edge is an area that needs expansion. Right now my compensating techniques are simply linen and leather and an excellent beard prep. I would really like to learn other methods.

OK, I have to get to bed,