Thread: Can it be too sharp?

Right off the bat let me state that I'm a complete newbie to the straight razor experience. Over the the last 2 weeks or so, I've been happily and carefully shaving with my brand new stainless steel DOVO. Only one nick and each day has yielded slightly closer shaves.

All was right with the world until this past Monday when I dropped my razor. It careened off of the edge of a glass sink and fell onto a porcelain floor.

Both surfaces were unforgiving to the razor. There was a tiny but noticeable imperfection along the center of the cutting edge and a dent on the shoulder (where it hit the floor).

After a few choice words and perhaps a slight tear, I realized that this was my excuse to try my hand at honing!

Thus, being the intrepid masochist that I seem to be, I purchased a Norton 4k/8k combo and a 12k Chinese finishing stone. The stones arrived today and following the great advice/instructions found here at SRP, I endeavored to undertake the repair/re-honing of my beloved razor.

I purchased the razor from Vintage Blades and it came with a note indicating that it had been pre-honed and made shave ready by Lynn himself. I must say that it was sharp!

I spent 2 hours slowly grinding down and re-shaping the shoulder as well as putting on a new edge with the 4k/8K and 12K finishing stones. The blade looks as good as new.

So here is my dilemma. I dont think the blade feels as sharp as it did when I first got it. However, I shaved with it and I have to say that it was the quickest and easiest shave that I have had yet. When I go against the grain there is much less resistance then before. And while it took me an extra pass ATG, I got a really close shave.

Therefore, is there such a thing as too sharp?! Or, to put it differently, can a duller blade actually be more comfortable?

-Martin

There can be a difference between sharp and comfortable..everyones face reacts differently. For me when I shaved with a DE the first couple of shaves were not that comfortable at all...after that it was all good.

Originally Posted by geekdude

Therefore, is there such a thing as too sharp?! Or, to put it differently, can a duller blade actually be more comfortable?

-Martin

I don't know that a duller blade will ever shave better than a sharp blade.

It may be more forgiving of lapses in technique like pressure or blade angle, and this may be why you find it more comfortable. On the other hand, you are more prone to do these things in an effort to shave closely, hence the saying you are more likely to cut yourself with a dull blade.

Ray has excellent points.
specially when he mention with duller blade you will most likely cut yourself more then sharper one.
There is differences which stone you used finished the edge.
Lets say.
if you finish edge on Coticule. CF, Japanese stones etc
(if honing done properly)
you can feel the edge is feels different. Some will feel sharper then other or smoother then other .

Originally Posted by geekdude

So here is my dilemma. I dont think the blade feels as sharp as it did when I first got it. However, I shaved with it and I have to say that it was the quickest and easiest shave that I have had yet. When I go against the grain there is much less resistance then before. And while it took me an extra pass ATG, I got a really close shave.

Therefore, is there such a thing as too sharp?! Or, to put it differently, can a duller blade actually be more comfortable?

-Martin

You really have to consider that your skills will improve with each shave & each shave will therefore improve.
There is simply no way a duller blade will go ATG with out resistance.

Points well taken gentlemen. I simply didn't expect to get a good shave this time around (particular under the chin where its been the most difficult for me). The blade feels less resistant against the skin. Yet it took more passes. I will continue to experiment with both my shaving technique and my honing. In any event, I am having a good time of it!

Thanx to all,
Martin