Thread: Why not use the sharpest blade?

I have used a variety of DE blades and get a good shave with all of them. There have been discussions about which blade is the sharpest, but why not use the sharpest blade?

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???

To me, the shave is more dependent on the razor used and the technique than on blade sharpness.

Basically, it comes down to skin type, and how sensitive it reacts to the blade at use.

I can hone a straight till it becomes extremely sharp, but is uncomfortable to
use. Yes...we want sharp, but that's relative to each individual.

Much like SR's DE blades have differences in Bevel geometry and Finish

DE blades can have three different types of bevels from what I have read, much like we create a Convex smooth bevel on a SR through honing technique, finish hone, and stropping
DE makers do the same with how they sharpen the steel bands and what coatings they use on the steel

So actual "Sharpness" is probably maxed out in both cases for SR's and DE blades to the steel used, the Face Feel can vary with the final techniques used

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.

I like my razors and also my DE blades to be very sharp, i.e. cut with very little force. To touch is to cut. Some guys don't like it that sharp. They want to relax and enjoy an uneventful shave or they might have sensitive skin or maybe their shave technique doesn't work well with the sharpest of blades. There are other desireable qualities besides absolute sharpness. Every major brand of DE blade has users who prefer that one above all others. Just like with a straight razor, you might like an extra full hollow, or a half, quarter, or a wedge or near wedge. You might like a wider or not so wider blade, a more acute or more obtuse bevel angle, a hard geometrically true bevel or one with a bit of softness and convexity to it, or one taken to extremely fine honing media or a vintage coticule or slate or a 12k synthetic. Preferences are not always all about sheer cutting power.

I like Feather Hi-Stainless for DE or shavette shaving. I like sharp. Not everyone thinks their world turns around the sharpest possible edge on steel and it is absolutely NOT needed for a decent shave. There was a time when a barber hone was considered a perfectly adequate finisher, or a Norton 8k. Back in the day some guys would hone their razors on found river rocks and shave with that edge. Guys on the forums have on a dare, shaved with 1k edges.

Use what you like, for whatever reason you see fit or even no reason at all. Your face. Just remember, only heathens bowl lather or use boar brushes.

Originally Posted by CrescentCityRazors

...Back in the day some guys would hone their razors on found river rocks and shave with that edge...

"Back in the day?"

I did that YESTERDAY.

Me too! The Potomac river rock I found years ago. Slate!

You can have a DE razor that is wicked having large gaps and extreme blade forward builds. These need a smoother, less keen edge unless you like blood shed. Other DE razors have neg blade exposure and small gaps and need to have sharper blades to get a good shave. Then there is a middle ground. But you need to find what blade works well with what razor. This is why some people (like myself) have many different DE blades and razors. Its fun to test and find out what combo works best.

I have been doing a test of the DE blades that I already own, and I am very surprised to find that the Gillette Platinum gives the best results. Obviously this is subjective, but I expected that the Astra or Feather blades would be the best. I also like the Treet carbon blades, but having to dry them after every shave means I won't use them regularly.

So I got a Merkur 34C the other day and am using the Gillette 7 O'clock super platinum black blades. I have to be honest, that is a very smooth and close shave. Will it replace my straight razors? Not a chance. It's just nice to use when I'm in a hurry.