Thread: 8k Shave?...When Was The Last Time I Did That?

First off thought I should state what my progression is when I hone a razor. I usually use 1k, Norton 4k/8k and then a finisher. I recently honed up a razor and when I got done at the 8k level I thought to myself that it has been quite awhile since I shaved with an 8k edge and I couldn't even remember what one felt like shaving. I was thinking if I can't remember what an 8k shave felt like how do I know if I am improving an 8k edge when going to a finisher since I have been messing around with some new finishers. I have just been using my usual tests to determine the edge before moving onto a finisher. Granted I have only honed about 75 razors so far from bevel set to finisher which is no where near as many as alot of people on here. I feel I have been getting great edges so far doing what I have been doing, but just thought I should shave with an 8k edge again to refresh my memory of what one feels like. I know it probably isn't necessary to shave with an 8k edge if I have been getting great results so far, but I found it amazing that I couldn't remember the last time I did and how it felt. I was just curious if anyone shaves off an 8k edge every so often and if not do you remember the last time that you have?

I consider the 8k shave to be my benchmark for knowing that it's OK to move to a higher grit finisher. 8 - 10 strokes on a 12k will make you even prouder of your 8k edge.

Jerry

I wasn't asking if a finisher would improve an 8k edge I was asking the last time someone shaved with an 8k edge after they get used to using a finisher after 8k or if they even remember the last time they did.

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

I wasn't asking if a finisher would improve an 8k edge I was asking the last time someone shaved with an 8k edge after they get used to using a finisher after 8k or if they even remember the last time they did.

I'm telling you that I test shave with the 8k edge 95% of the time. I generally don't go to a finer finisher until I know the 8k edge is good to go.

Jerry

I can't remember. It's been a long time indeed.

'Haven't thought about repeatedly trying the 8k shave. 'Did it a couple of times, then added a few (5) strokes on a Swaty to see how that felt. I remember being pleasantly surprise, noticed the different feel between the Norton 8, Nani 8, and the Swaty. Each was dang good. Now when the honorable Mr Sell says he tries that shave on most blades, it gives me pause - like I'd be smart to try that more.

I shave from an 8k...
hat:

Yup. Haven't gotten round to picking up a decent strop. Set the bevel on a piece of 2k sandpaper stuck to a tile. Did 50 passes on 3k, 25 on 8k and away I went.

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

I was just curious if anyone shaves off an 8k edge every so often and if not do you remember the last time that you have?

EVERY Shave!
Don't have a "finish" stone so I have no choice.
No complaints either....

Did one last week. An old wostenholm that I tried finishing on 1 micron film. The shaves were rough so after 3 tries and 3 test shaves, I stopped at the 8k and crox and she was perfect.

Originally Posted by pinklather

'Haven't thought about repeatedly trying the 8k shave. 'Did it a couple of times, then added a few (5) strokes on a Swaty to see how that felt. I remember being pleasantly surprise, noticed the different feel between the Norton 8, Nani 8, and the Swaty. Each was dang good. Now when the honorable Mr Sell says he tries that shave on most blades, it gives me pause - like I'd be smart to try that more.

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Robert
When I say "test" shave, I simply mean that I shave half of one sideburn WTG and if the is no stubble at all, that edge is good to go to a finer finish.
A test shave for me is not my whole face, to clear up any confusion about my posts above. The 8k is my focus here so I am not off topic. Thanks.

Jerry