Thread: Not as sharp as a feather

I recently tried my Super Speed with a Feather blade in it. I figured that this would probably be the benchmark for how sharp a razor can get. The shave was pretty decent, especially on the flats. There was not pulling whatsoever. I did end up getting some wicked burn at the chin-neck intersection though.

Now I own a 1k, 3k, 8k, and 12k stone plus a Tony Miller with Linen and Latigo. I normally follow a progression that looks something like this. 1k until the bevel is good and set (it takes however many laps it needs). Then 20 - 40 there and back passes on the 3k. Follow this with ~25 on the 8k. Finish with 10 - 15 on the 12k.

I use pretty firm pressure on the 1 and 3k. Light pressure on the 8k, and pretty much float the razor over the 12k.

I do 25 laps on the linen followed by 75 laps on the latigo.

The razor at this point will pass the HHT and easily pop arm or chest hairs.

When I shave there is some pulling and I definitely require multiple passes. The feather on the other hand removed all of the hair easily, with no pulling.

Should I be able to get the same sharpness as a feather? How should I be dialing in my razor? Should I go all the way back to the 3k or just do a couple more laps on the 8k?

you shouldn't be using pressure on the coarser hones either.
whether your razor can be as sharp as a feather blade depends on the razor, even after you're able to get the best edge it's capable of, although at this point i believe you're limited by your honing, not the razor.

As straight if sharp should not pull at all i use shavettes when i'm shaving clients i use straight for my personal shaves there is a big differance in switching mainly technique a shavette will seem much sharper in the way it takes facial hair away a straight takes a little more effort its hard to explain but once you get use to a straight razor you will understand so keep at it and don't go mback to your feather .

Originally Posted by gary haywood

A straight if sharp should not pull at all .

+1. That is my experience too. As Gugi said, lighten up on the pressure, sounds like the honing to me too. Try different honing routines. Try the pyramid as described in the SRP Wiki or the circles followed by the x pattern. I heard Lynn was doing forty circles followed by 10 x strokes and I tried that on a razor today. Did a progression with my Naniwas with a dull ebay acquisition and ended with a great shave.

A straight will never shave like a DE will. They are totally different animals. If you want a benchmark for how sharp a straight can be, send a blade out to whichever honer you trust most - don't compare to a DE.

Originally Posted by gary haywood

As straight if sharp should not pull at all

This depends on a variety of factors. I get some pulling with my razors, but then I also get some pulling with a fresh Feather AC super pro.