Thread: How sharp do you like it?

Originally Posted by LikesBBS

which you stop at? or do you like lower? And I thought shapton 30k was equivalent to a .5 paste so .25 would be sharper/harsher ?

Again it isn't quite that simple...


Keep in mind that if you think you need higher then a 8k what you really need is more practice not more stuff, you can't buy your way to a good edge...

Originally Posted by LikesBBS

which you stop at? or do you like lower? And I thought shapton 30k was equivalent to a .5 paste so .25 would be sharper/harsher ?

you are mistaking sharp and smooth, after certain levle all you do is reducing the serrations on the edge, not making it keener.
As far as say diamond pastes, you need to experiment a bit to see what you like. Many like the 0.5 micron, then others like the 0.25 micron, then otheres like CrO.
There are options, and you have to see what you personally like, we can't really tell you that.

1000$ hone....$20000 janats . I hope you use every cent before you die LOL.

I really just wanted someone to say |i stop at 16k because it feel 0 tug" r something along those, but this wisdom which has been thrust upon me is nice also.

And i loved the shave I got off my 8k... so i must be good . Just wanted that...how do we say...zen shave?

Also just noticed mod's seem to like cats around here

Originally Posted by LikesBBS

Also just noticed mod's seem to like cats around here

Nope just Robert and I no other Mods have Cats

I guess sharpness isn't such a big deal after a certain point though... paper thin edge would probobly dull or lose it's papery goodness soon and require more frequent touch-ups etc right? Also seems some folks complain bout the diamond edges (.25?) which are harsh?

OK, here's the skinny. This is the school of thought here regarding edges and honing, sharpness and smoothness.

"Sharp" happens on lower grit hones (say < 4K). "Sharp" is where you bring both sides of the edge together, and to be sharp those sides have to be pretty close together. There is some evidence to suggest that the only real progress that can be made toward this goal is by using a lower grit hone - higher grit hones will continue to bring the sides together, but at an exponentially (or similar) decreasing rate. For all intents and purposes, this rate is considered impracticable.

"Smooth" happens on higher grit hones after "sharp" has been achieved. "Smooth" is where you polish the sides of the edge (the bevel) so that when you rub the razor over the whiskers it doesn't grab. This is the progressive stage of honing - because you are removing exponentially (geometrically, whatever) decreasing amounts of metal as you move up the grits, you need to use a progression of grits to avoid having to sit there all day polishing out, say, 4K gouges with a, say, 16k hone.

Both "sharp" and "smooth" go together (like a horse and carriage) to produce a good-shaving edge. You can shave off sharp but not smooth edges, but you cannot shave off smooth but not sharp edges.

James.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Nope just Robert and I no other Mods have Cats

Ah was half expecting the lion to be hiding somewhere waiting to pounce. j/k ^^

Originally Posted by LikesBBS

I guess sharpness isn't such a big deal after a certain point though... paper thin edge would probobly dull or lose it's papery goodness soon and require more frequent touch-ups etc right? Also seems some folks complain bout the diamond edges (.25?) which are harsh?

The other thing that effects the edge is the particulate geometry of the hone/paste. Diamond paste is little chips with pointy bits which can bite into the metal making deeper gouges than the grit might suggest - hence a feeling of a harsh edge. CrOx has little soccer-ball shaped garnet particulates that have no acute angles, hence a smoother feel even though it is 0.5 micron as opposed to the 0.25 micron diamond.

Other things which effect the feel are hone binding media - how tight those particulates are held in the hone - do they release easily? Do those particulates break down into smaller bits as you hone? Etc etc.

Many many things effect the edge.

James.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

you can't buy your way to a good edge...

Wait I thought you, Lynn and a few others offered honing services...

LikesBBS,
I think this is the type of response you are after.

I currently stop at 12k,

I have two blades I like to hit on CrOx,

I actually like the way all of my blades shave better after a few shave/ strop sessions.

What does it do to the edge probably dulls it a bit but they seem to smooth out and get more comfortable.

Interesting. I have .3 crox atm... and 0.1 iron oxide... ever used iron oxide? I haven't touched it yet but am tempted too.