Thread: Edge durability how about expert opinions?

I have a rotation of all the above and then some. I seem to lean toward vintage Henckels, but I have found that lack of stropping is usually the culprit with most edge retention issues. Some need more than others. Some need lots more!

Funny enough that the first razor that I honed and restored is also the one that will hold an edge the longest. It is a Genco Old Dutch, but I recently added a few to my rotation so will see how those do. I don't find it a problem with any blade to give them a touch up if they need it even if some need it more than others because I think each blade gives its own style of shave. As to the other poster about stainless and carbon steels I find carbon steel blades feel "softer" while stainless is rather hard. What I mean is that the carbon I can barely feel it on my face while stainless the instance I put it to my face I know that it is there. Not sure if that makes any sense.

Sorry to admit it, but due to budgitary shortcomings, I don't own quite as many St8's as some of you, but it always seems, whether I send them out or hone them myself, that I LOVE the first 3 to 5 shaves from a freshly honed St8', from then on I just long for the day's of the fresh edge until they are touched up again, I just love an edge that seems to take most of the beard off in the 1st pass!!!
Persnicitus, ain't I!!!

[please excuse my spelling]

As always, tinkersd

All of the above opinions are definitely noteworthy and valid by virtue of the long experience that formed them. I particularly agree with the theory that overhoning is a prime culprit.

I am also an inveterate stropper from way back and I know from experience that a proper stropping can fine-tune most blades.

I have found that a hanging felt strop with diamond spray can prolong the life of an edge when you don't have time to hone it. A Hess HairMilk linen side strop, if you can find one, is also a definite asset when the razor begins to pull a bit during a shave. I have a spartan grade Larry Andro leather strop treated with Dovo Black paste that can revitalize a waning edge.

We all have our preferred method of dressing up a razor edge and sharing that method helps us all. Thanks for sharing.....

Jerry

In answer to your question, no razor stays sharp forever and on the average I'd say after 20 shaves or so most need a tune-up but I do have a few razors that seem to last a very long time, probably 100 shaves or more. My TI Damascus is probably the king. I shaved with that several hundred times before it finally needed honing. But when honing time comes it's a real bear to hone. It has very hard steel.