Thread: New J.A. Henckels | Cognitive Dissonance

Originally Posted by MrDavid

I actually read your thread prior to ordering my twin, and based on Glen's observation (essentially that there was little difference between old and new), opted for the new as I assumed there would be more consistent quality there.

Having just come back from the hones, I'm now "cautiously optimistic." I could feel a big difference between this and my cheap DOVO pretty quickly, and the edge off the 12k looked pretty good. Sliced (not popped) arm hairs off easily; so I may have been too quick to judge.

Until tomorrow morning...

I am sorry you are not enjoying your new Henckles as much as you anticipated. It's too late now but if you weren't pleased with the quality of the razor upon first inspection I would have sent it back without delay. Now that you have honed the razor you probably can not return it. Lesson learned.

Next, from what I have observed over my time here on SRP most people here try there best to provide good information and not steer anyone astray. The straight razor journey is a very personal experience which is different for most of us. For those of us that have been around for a while we have come to know that the exact same setup for one person may or may not work for the next. For all reading this post, we (SRP members) can only offer our impressions and perceptions of shave gear. Your experience may, and probably will differ. In the end you are responsible for your own decisions and purchases. As you indulge in the sport more and more you will develop a sense for what works for you and who's suggestions best fit your style and needs.

Lastly, I have found that if I am impressed with a razor I give a little extra to it when I hone it. It is not intentional but a natural occurrence. Other days I may produce a better edge and the day before or the day after. A honed edge is not an exactly precise measure of quality but is in fact the last and most obvious when we go to shave. I have a Puma Inox that kicked my but
on the hones. It must have been several tries before it reached my lever of a smooth shave. From a honing perceptive that razor sucks but if I offered it to most people here it would be gone in a flash.

Bottom line. Be responsible for your own actions but take into account the advise of others with more experience. If you don't like an item return it before altering it and move on with life. If an edge on a straight razor is not where think it should be go back to the hones or send it to a honemister that has been providing the service for a long time compared to others. And lastly, enjoy the shave and the straight razor experience!