The truth was out there.[/QUOTE] Re the Sackman Paper, i had been doing some research when I noticed this thread. Basically, the paper was as you know, written in 1978. Since the paper is copyrighted, I can't post it publicly. That said, I can certainly post some quotes that put things in context.

The last sentence of the paper says: "Other performance improvements will be along the lines stared in 1971 when blades were bonded into a unit giving optimum protrusion and shaving angle." >>Key point follows: "However most changes with be made primarily from ergonomic or similar aspects to make shaving easier, quicker, etc. In all these new systems, the PTFE [edit AKA Teflon] coated cutting edge with its tip radius of about 50 NM will be around for many years."

The first paragraph of the paper says: "The first major change occurred at the turn of the century with the invention of the disposable razor blade made with carbon steel." >> key point follows: "This dispensed with the need to acquire stropping skills, or to devote time to them, but it did not oust completely the 'old fashioned' systems because a skillful stropper [insert Lynn, et al here] could probably obtain a better edge in his razor that could consistently be found on disposable blades."

"Little progress was made until 1961 when a stainless steel blade with PTFE coast on its edges was introduced. This revolutionized shaving by reducing discomfort to a very low level and spelt the end of stroppable systems. "

Or so it would seem.

It would appear that he was speaking re the evolution of DE razor at that time. Thoughts, questions?