Thread: Totally new beast for me.

Just a question... it seems that a harsh shave could be due to a too acute edge? Is this because the edge is unstable and maybe wavy or rolled or chipped?

Andre, yes it may cause irritation. In general too sharp edges are to thin, not so smooth and fragile may be have chips due to this thinness. Even if the edge doesn't have chips, the edge shape is saw tooth like(especially from synthetic hones). These are the possible reasons for harsh shave from too sharp edge. Some natural stones have capability to give very sharp and very smooth edge like Escher or some JNATS.