Thread: Can You Get A Straight Razor Too Sharp?

The chin area has some of the toughest whiskers and if the blade is stopping/hesitating there it is not too sharp. Hope you heel well.

Bob

Cuts don't result from razors that are too sharp. They result from razors that are not sharp enough and some manipulation with them is required to pull off a shave. That manipulation is what causes the cuts.

Originally Posted by ace

Cuts don't result from razors that are too sharp. They result from razors that are not sharp enough and some manipulation with them is required to pull off a shave. That manipulation is what causes the cuts.

I would have to agree.Sometimes the edge becomes thin, like foil.The edge starts to breake off causing a microscopic serrated edge.It grabs instead of cutting.

Since I posted this thread I have been like you trying to figure out this honing to get that perfect shaving edge. What I have learned is that if you don't get a even bevel on both sides you are just wasting honing stone. I am still working on this. There are so many things that can effect this stage with vintage razors. The biggest problem I have found is if the razor has a spine that has been honed uneven this effects the way you sharpen it to get that bevel. I can get a pretty good edge and bevel using Lynn's circle method. I also found out that your stone has to be lapped evenly. I tried to sharpen with film, a 3 and 1u to finish but I like to finish with a 12000 grit stone better. I also follow up with chromium oxide, 5 micron. I have noticed that you have to strop at least 60 laps on the c/o to get a nice edge followed by 120 laps on leather. Maybe this is over kill but if I don't follow this procedure the razor just drags and won't shave very well. I still have not got to that perfect edge yet and still working on it. One last thing is there are so many ways to hone that I think you have to do what works for you and continue to read and learn.