Thread: How can you tell

I think Rezdog already covered my thoughts on the matter, complete with link to the same thread I had in mind. Chances are slim that you over honed the blade, most beginners are more likely to be under honing.

The exception is when you begin to get your blade properly honed, but you've been shaving with sub-par edges for so long that your ability to hone has outstripped your ability to shave. That is, your edge is simply sharper than you're used to and your shaving technique is what needs adjustment.

It would be helpful to know what razor you're honing and with what stones in addition to what it's doing as BobH asked above.

In order to get the edge of a razor very sharp/keen, the edge has to be quite thin, perhaps only a few molecules thick. As you make the edge thinner, it becomes more fragile and minute chips of metal can break off leaving a ragged edge at least at the microscopic level. This makes shaving with the blade uncomfortable.

The holy grail of razor manufacture is finding the right steel composition and the right heat treating method that will allow the edge to become quite thin without chipping.

The job of honing is to make the edge as keen possible, while keeping the edge smooth. The reason there are so many types of synthetic and natural hones on the market is that people keep trying to find the perfect combination of hones and technique that will produce a keen, yet smooth edge.

IMO a lot depends on the steel. Different steel takes a different edge. I have a razor from one of the top custom razor makers and the steel is like spring steel. It is an extra hollow grind and the blade is very thin. I find it extremely uncomfortable to shave with. I would say the grind could be a factor. I've moved away from full or extra hollow grinds and now prefer a half or quarter hollow. If you want to back off the edge a little, I use chromium oxide or my Escher. 5-10 laps and it makes the shave more pleasant.