Thread: Diagnose: Sharp but not smooth

Have a TI that is normally a smoothie, after a round of sharpening it has become sharp but is really not smooth. I looked at the edge at 100X and I don't see much in the way of teeth, the edge looks uniform. However, it has a sandpaper quality. The edge holds up for a shave and will strop back to HHT. The shave was close.

Any ideas what the issue and resolution may be?

Did your "round of sharpening" include any diamond paste or spray? I have a felt block w/ .25 micron diamond spray on it -- it makes my razors harsh as crap. Stopped using it, will probably chalk it up to experience.

Originally Posted by stimpy52

Did your "round of sharpening" include any diamond paste or spray? I have a felt block w/ .25 micron diamond spray on it -- it makes my razors harsh as crap. Stopped using it, will probably chalk it up to experience.

Unfortunately no. I used a thuringian (70 strokes) followed by coticule with just water (100 strokes).

Originally Posted by bonusmarple

Unfortunately no. I used a thuringian (70 strokes) followed by coticule with just water (100 strokes).

Try using the coti and then the thuri, see if that helps.

Chrom ox has been known to smooth a sharp but harsh edge IME.

bonusmarple,

I have a couple of C135 TIs that sometimes do feel a bit harsh after coming off the stones.

I use a CrOx pasted paddle, or a cotton hanger with TI Pate a Rasoir to smooth the edge; I usually do 5 laps, test & repeat if needed.

I find that once dialled in, the C135 edges last very well indeed.

The C135 blades do feel different on the face compared to my other carbon steel blades; not unpleasent, just different

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I have no idea, what your problem is, however the current production of TI is very good after diamond pasted strop.
You have a previous reference with that razor, so the problem is with the honing for certain. I could suggest trying few different finishings and observe what differences they make. And then perhaps redo the honing, carefully observing how the tests you are using during the honing progression.
I can see a lot of useful things in my microscope, that help me honing, but you may not have the resolution in yours.

Originally Posted by gugi

I have no idea, what your problem is, however the current production of TI is very good after diamond pasted strop.
You have a previous reference with that razor, so the problem is with the honing for certain. I could suggest trying few different finishings and observe what differences they make. And then perhaps redo the honing, carefully observing how the tests you are using during the honing progression.
I can see a lot of useful things in my microscope, that help me honing, but you may not have the resolution in yours.

I have the radio shack special handheld. What type of microscope would you suggest and what would I look for on the blade?

Originally Posted by bonusmarple

I have the radio shack special handheld. What type of microscope would you suggest and what would I look for on the blade?

The RS handheld with 100x magnification is a great tool, look for a rough bevel and rough edge, everything should look smooth. Any pits, corrosion, sawteeth, divots, chips, nicks need to go. The edge should be straight and the bevel smooth.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

The RS handheld with 100x magnification is a great tool, look for a rough bevel and rough edge, everything should look smooth. Any pits, corrosion, sawteeth, divots, chips, nicks need to go. The edge should be straight and the bevel smooth.

At 100X, the edge is a straight line, however the reflection off the very edge is not uniform, it alternates shiny and dark in an irregular pattern. I am guessing that is the result of some very very tiny irregularities on the very edge. Problem is, I don't know if that is "normal" because I just don't have the experience with this. Any advice would be welcome.