The edge is our main weapon against wiskers. All the preparation and technique in the world can not overcome a lack for this most crucial aspect.

A well prepared beard, shaved with sound, confident technique will certainly make the task easier with any given edge. However neither of these can improve shave quality as dramatically as will a fully sharp, smooth razor.

There have been some good discussions lately examining the smallest details, far beyond necessity of practical matters. We think in terms of micrometers, even nanometers, just this side of nothingness.

We want the next highest grit, the best natural finisher, another strop to load. If you can stop for just a moment and re-boot, you may find yourself wondering; what is all of this for?

You may feel as though you already have the answer. You likely have strong opinions on what you need to get a good shave.

However I would like to submit for your consideration that shaving directly from 1k grit stone can provide not only a degree of sharpness that produces smooth touch with the grain, but will do so without irritation and burning.

It is not to be the end of the pursuit. But without this corner stone the rest of what follows, its necessity, its purpose can never be actualized or understood.