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).

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 bonusmarple

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?

I'm thinking you may have just enough of a wire/burr/etc to be uncomfortable but maybe due to the TI's hard steel it is not folding away as on a softer tempered razor & the edge survives the shave.
I'm surprised finishing on a coticule has not smoothed it out.
A few firmish strokes on linen, then a few laps on your finisher again may help if there is a wire.
Any pics at 100x ??

Strop it 125 times on some colored newspaper,it smooths out my Wacker

Random guesses...

Stick to one of thuringian or coticule but not both.
My inclination is that the razor is a little overhoned
so also reduce the number of strokes.

Try five front/back strokes on the Thuringian
followed by 15-20 normal hone strokes, strop and
shave test.

Some TI razors are very hard and a coticule may sharpen
your TI better than the thuringian.

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