Thread: Why not use the sharpest blade?

Originally Posted by Barbudo

a) aren't ALL DE blades extremely sharp?
b) Since the purpose is to cut as cleanly as possible, why not use the sharpest blade?
c) Aren't any mishaps, e.g., nicks, the result of either technique or uneven surface?
d) Is there really a blade that will cut a whisker but won't cut skin???

Let me try to answer your questions without getting into lengthy explanations.
Some answers may sound self-explanatory to most us us, but since you just joined there is reason to believe your are fairly recent to traditional wet shaving.

a) aren't ALL DE blades extremely sharp?
In principle yes, but some blades are sharper than others. There are in fact comparisons of DE blade sharpness and how it changes over several shaves. I recommend you google it, as it includes about 48 of the most popular blades (at the time of the test). The geometry of the DE razor can also accentuate or mitigate against blade sharpness, in particular the blade exposure (i.e., how much it sticks out) and the blade gap.

b) Since the purpose is to cut as cleanly as possible, why not use the sharpest blade?
The sharpest blade may not be the smoothest. What matters is the combination of sharpness and smoothness. Many blades, straight razors included, only reach their “sweet spot” after two to three shaves, which is why I think it is a mistake to discard a blade after only one shave.

c) Aren't any mishaps, e.g., nicks, the result of either technique or uneven surface?
Mishaps, as you call them, can have many reasons. If a blade “digs in” it can be excessive pressure, unevenness of the skin surface, small insect bites and pimples, momentary slip of concentration, you name it…
Someone charging during your shave into the bathroom with the elegance of a stormtrooper has the same effect.
The quality of the lather comes into play as well and that quality is determined both by the product you use and by the lather you make out of it. A well lubricating lather helps the blade’s edge glide over the skin without “digging in”. Conversely, too much lubrication (e.g. too much glycerine) will make it more difficult to have a firm grip on the razor.
Shaving soaps or creams with lanolin tend to work quite well in this respect, those with cheaper glycerine can (see above).

d) Is there really a blade that will cut a whisker but won't cut skin???
If you find one and can secure the rights to the brand, you could make a fortune.
In any case, let us know, because this is the holy grail of DE shaving.


Hope this helps…


B.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Like Mike said, sharp or rather "keen," and comfort are a balance. Arks, for instance, can make a scorching edge but also produce one that will exfoliate your skin. There is such a thing as too keen. Some people like it blisteringly keen but not everyone's face can tolerate it. In that case you can "tame" an overly keen edge with a few laps on a coticule. I've heard you can also use a leaded strop but I have never done it personally. I have to do that for my son. Even though he has this coarse, thick, Viking (red) beard his face is like a baby butt. There are DE blades that tear his face up alao.

While all this is true; unless the OP, who just joined, intends to use a straight razor, the OP can defer these valid points for later.


B.