You know, I just saw this video and was looking for comments since his methods were so different from what I've learned here. I didn't expect to get dragged across the coals, or the razor. There's a lot of science behind the way razors have been sharpened for years, using electron microscopes as proof of a "perfect" edge. I just wanted to know if there was any merrit to his methods, and if not why not. Carter's methods fly right in the face of everything I've ever learned about shapening, but when it comes to knives his methods are much easier for the average layman and can be done without using any artificial guides.
The biggest question I have is what is the scientific difference between pushing the blade against the stone, the conventional method of sharpening, and his method of "stropping" the blade against the stone? I'm not at all sold on dragging the blade on a piece of wood, but with his methods it "kinda" makes sense as this would leave particles on the blade edge.
The reason I'm interested in all this is because I've not had much luck sharpening my own razors. I just sent two off to SRD, and maybe the next time they dull I'll try it again. If that doesn't work maybe I'll try Carter's methods, except the part about dulling the edge before starting. Worse case scenerio I have to send it back to SRD. Worse, worse case scenerio I have to get a new razor. It's not like I'm trying a DIY circumcision. ;)