Thread: Ever wonder how long an edge lasts after honing?

I would say when I push an edge I get 15-30 shaves. Although I have been practicing honing a lot on 3-4 razors and honing every 5 shaves or so trying to push my honing (joined awhile ago took a break and have been SR shaving again for about 9+ months I believe). I have a question though.

Has anyone tested to see how much of an impact the angle of the bevel has on how long the edge last? I not sure at the moment but I think normally the angle is around 15 degrees but I have heard of some people who prefer the angle to be around 20-25 degrees. Just curious if anyone has done testing to see how the angle can change how long an edge last on a straight razor

Originally Posted by Christian1

I not sure at the moment but I think normally the angle is around 15 degrees but I have heard of some people who prefer the angle to be around 20-25 degrees. Just curious if anyone has done testing to see how the angle can change how long an edge last on a straight razor

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is 17 degrees what it should be with a +/- of 2 degrees for manufacturing tolerance. I think 20-25 degrees is into knife blade territory.

Bob

So many variables to this age old question. I'm fairly new to straight razors, and am at around 100 shaves into this. I feel I have figured out my technique, prep, and razor maintenance, due to the fact that I can get an exquisite shave every time out, without nicks or cuts. I very much like the simplicity of having a good finishing coticule, and have never tried pastes, sprays, etc. I started on a inexpensive Dovo full hollow, and would get 4-5 shaves, before having to do a few strokes on the stone to bring it back. I though I would be able to stretch it out longer, as I progressed with my skills, but that has not happened. I purchased a Brian Brown razor, and thought I might have a different experience, but not so. I have no doubt that if I grew back my Van Dyke, I could get more shaves out of a blade, but my chin whiskers really take a toll on the edge. Never have used a loupe, microscope, etc, just when it takes more work to shave my chin close, I run a dozen or so stokes over the coticule, and I'm back in business. I think everyone has to find their happy place, and of course, YMMV.

There is a rumuer that a Japanese barber used an Iwasaki Tamahaganae western for over 1000 shaves for his customers back in the day. Trouble is Japanese men are not renowned for being hirsute so although believable it would not be anywhere near that with others nationalites. As said too many variables. Compare Tamahaganae which has a Rockwell rating of 67ish and good old Sheffield steel. Not sure of the HRC but would gestimate its a lot softer going by honing the two. Add in beard density and different preps and honing abilities it's almost impossible to gather any useful data.
The longest I shaved with a razor was with a Gold Dollar for 12 shaves just to see what the crack was with them.
I get bored and hone my razors wether they need it or not. If I only touched up all my razors when needed Id only hone once a year and no one gets to be better at honing just once a year!

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

There is a rumuer that a Japanese barber used an Iwasaki Tamahaganae western for over 1000 shaves for his customers back in the day. Trouble is Japanese men are not renowned for being hirsute so although believable it would not be anywhere near that with others nationalites. As said too many variables. Compare Tamahaganae which has a Rockwell rating of 67ish and good old Sheffield steel. Not sure of the HRC but would gestimate its a lot softer going by honing the two. Add in beard density and different preps and honing abilities it's almost impossible to gather any useful data.
The longest I shaved with a razor was with a Gold Dollar for 12 shaves just to see what the crack was with them.
I get bored and hone my razors wether they need it or not. If I only touched up all my razors when needed Id only hone once a year and no one gets to be better at honing just once a year!

ROTFLMAO.....absolutely....when I finally got the Escher Barber's Delight, think I spent a 3 months refreshing razors, comparing different Escher's and a few other stones...and yup, if I don't occasionally refresh a razor just for the sake of it, I'd never be on the stones...

If I'm not sanding, or polishing, blades or scales, I'm honing....everyday.!! Typically, full edge restoration. But if I'm bored, I'll grab something from the rotation.

Originally Posted by Phrank

LOL - cheeks and neck...I've done the full shave before, really enjoyed it, and liked the clean cut look...walked upstairs, my wife asked if I shaved my chin off and was I growing my goatee back...like now?

So, that was the end of my "clean shaven" experiment....besides, every time I look at Brian Setzer from CNN I just want to punch him right in the face...so I don't think I'll go with that look....

This is the look that I want to punch in the face...

https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset..._720_noupscale

Originally Posted by azgabe

Interesting thread. When I first started researching straight razors, I read that an experienced user will have to hone their razor every 2-3 months with everyday use. The price of honing being a concern from me. When I found the price of honing was $25, I jumped into straights.

I have since purchased a finishing hone and keep my edges going, while still sending my razors to a professional for an initial hone. I am using a puck of vintage Williams this month from start to finish and for amusement/research I decided to use the same razor. I freshened up the edge on my Fili DT 13 on my Jnat. So far I am 13 shaves in and the results are being felt. It is not as sharp as it used to be. After reading this thread I assume my results are not unusual. Granted my honing skills leave much to be desired, but I can get an edge sharper and more comfortable.

Maybe the initial hope of getting 60+ shaves was far fetched?

So I stopped at 25. The edge isn't as sharp and the shave not as comfortable. If I had to send out my razor to be honed, I would keep going as it's not terrible. Being that I am able to touch up my own edges, there's no need to keep going.

I think the type of metal and the temper probably have a great deal to do with a razor's ability to hold an edge. I don't see how anything chinese can be even close to US, German, or English steel. They don't use the steel and you know they're not gonna take the time to work the steel.

Originally Posted by MarkAlanDay

I think the type of metal and the temper probably have a great deal to do with a razor's ability to hold an edge. I don't see how anything chinese can be even close to US, German, or English steel. They don't use the steel and you know they're not gonna take the time to work the steel.

Granted some of the razors coming out of China leave a lot to be desired. I think it is pretty presumptuous to assume that good razors can't be made in China. Mercedes Benz does make cars in China and you can bet MB takes QC seriously even there.

Bob