Thread: Sharp blade: harsh v. smooth

There is certainly a marked difference between harsh and smooth shaves, and the scientific description above pretty well sums it up. However, there are as many ways to get from harsh to smooth as there are types of razors, and homing stones/synths/methods can get folks there in lots of different ways.

For me, as a part-time, just better than noob honer...synths were my answer, coupled with a bit more time finishing. As an example, I find the Naniwa 12k a fantastic finisher, but to me the edges that come off of it can be a bit harsh. Once finished there, I hit a few strokes on pasted balsa (both chromium oxide and iron oxide), and then strop about 100 laps on the leather. That finishing process for me develops an extremely close shaving and smooth edge that seems to last.

BUT...

that's just my process that works for me. Natural stones play a very big role for advanced honers who can seemingly do all of that finishing process on one stone with various combinations of water/slurry. Like all things straight shaving, YMMV and different strokes for different folks.

One thing I will say...now that I can hone proficiently, the cost savings is nice, but the icing on the cake is being able to replicate the edge I like across all of my razors be they wedge, hollow, extra hollow, etc.

Originally Posted by Denvernoob

....As an example, I find the Naniwa 12k a fantastic finisher, but to me the edges that come off of it can be a bit harsh. Once finished there, I hit a few strokes on pasted balsa (both chromium oxide and iron oxide), and then strop about 100 laps on the leather. That finishing process for me develops an extremely close shaving and smooth edge that seems to last. ....

I agree with Denvernoob. My Naniwa 12k is a great finisher but I also find the edge to be a little harsh. Edges are very sharp and it does a great job of smoothing out the 8K scratches from my Norton, but it does take some time on CO on a pasted felt piece, and some time on the leather to make the shave close AND comfortable. I recently picked up a Thuringian natural stone and now I go from the 12K Naniwa to the natural for the final finish - a few strokes on the CO and then leather - and it makes a huge difference in comfort for me.

Adam

He did say the Revisor was new, maybe he didn't request a shave ready edge from them, tc

Sorry he said Aust, so it should be ok.

The mark of a competent honer is he can get a razor to be sharp and smooth. I'm not sure it's a matter of the hone you use quite honestly. It more your technique. Certainly there are some media known for harshness like diamond however I'd imagine a true honemeister uses a minimum of stones to do the job.

What are you stropping them on?

Typically, it is not uncommon for a new stropper to roll and edge by lifting the spine off the strop while in forward motion. It just takes once.

Run a QTip along the edge of the razor, if it catches in the slightest, you have chipped the edge, sometimes you can feel the chips.

Invest in some magnification, you can get good magnification for a little as 2 -15 dollars. Search magnification for some favorites. Get at least 60X.

To me a harsh edge means I did,nt quite get something quite right on the hones? A smooth edge is a successful honing.

I to have gotten my edges really sharp but I noticed not as smooth as I liked. I would take the razors up to a 20 SG, then chromium oxide which helped. I picked up a Ark surgical black and that really helped but took a long time. I landed a escher from an estate sale and after some work lapping it flat it worked really well at smoothing the edge but still not what I wanted. I asked my barber friend and he told me to lap it on the escher under running water. Do 20-25 weight of the razor only and try it. Perfect! He told me sharp is the first step but you need to "calm" the edge to add a smooth results.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

For me, I'd say the harsh one was finished on diamond paste. I find it too harsh. A few passes on CrOx will smooth it out. Or more laps on leather.

After I had bought the Gokumyo, I had thought that for refreshers going from a 12,000 Naniwa to a 20,000 grit Gokumyo might suffice, and stropping with CrOx and leather after honing might no longer be necessary.

I was wrong, CrOx gives me the smooth, velvety edge that stones alone can't.


B.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I to have gotten my edges really sharp but I noticed not as smooth as I liked. I would take the razors up to a 20 SG, then chromium oxide which helped. I picked up a Ark surgical black and that really helped but took a long time. I landed a escher from an estate sale and after some work lapping it flat it worked really well at smoothing the edge but still not what I wanted. I asked my barber friend and he told me to lap it on the escher under running water. Do 20-25 weight of the razor only and try it. Perfect! He told me sharp is the first step but you need to "calm" the edge to add a smooth results.

What is "escher"?

Originally Posted by ibixon

What is "escher"?

Check here: http://strazors.com/uploads/images/articles/escher.pdf