Thread: is it Science or Art ?

Just when you think you have it figured out, it laughs at you...

OK it's science 'cause its only the mechanical sharpening of a blade to an acceptable (but very sharp) level.

But it behaves like it's Art, because there are so many different variables that you can never seem to control enough of them to get truly consistent repeatable results.

(honing, I mean)

So... am I the only person who feels like this?

Science at its highest becomes art, and vice versa.
I'm totally with you.
Repetition and watching the hip guys do it have improved my technique, but so far to go still...

Alot of the really basic stuff (meaning touchups on typical razors) is pretty cut and dry I think. However when you start getting into restoration and bevel work and some unusual grinds and razors it quickly becomes an Art because you have to fit the technique and the proper tool-meaning hone to the specific job and as you implied the variables grow quickly.

Here is my favorite new saying hehehe

"Sharpening steel is sharpening steel as most of the Knife and Tool guys love to say,, BUT it changes to Art when you decide to put that sharp steel on your face"...
That makes it about as personal as it can ever get...

My other favorite saying when it comes to honing razors is "Just about anyone can get them sharp, it takes talent to get them smooth too"

Also I think some of the heavy hone hitters have one thing in common, consistency. I can get one razor shaving comfortable but sometimes not the next one, hit or miss. These guys understand their craft to apply their techniques and tools perfectly for each kind of razor they find.

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