Thread: Razor over sharpened?

If you tried to improve a Lynn sharpened edge you likely entered into a delusion.

I have been experimenting and experiencing the wire edge recently and it sounds to me like this is what you've done. Wire edges are sure sharp, but not appropriate for shaving. They are oversmoothed and will cause irritation and marks like you describe. The shaving edge is a well refined edge that must be built up to and not overshot. That's part of the challenge.

It could just be that you were using too much pressure on a razor that is still ok.

1. What brand and grit of paste did you use?
2. What was the strop and strop surface?
3. How many laps did you perform?
4. How much pressure did you use?

X

Sounds like X is right to me

Interesting...
I would gather that is exactly what I am experiencing. And shame on me for trying to sharpen an already shapened blade. Hey! It's another improving notch on my belt and a new experience that will only make things better! To answer your q's:
1) I used Amplex Diamond Compound (.50) ... actually really shapes up a blade that has its normal wear and tear.
2) I used a course side after initial pasted strop and my everyday surface right before my shave
3) about 30 laps on the pasted strop and 30 and 30 prior to shave
4) pressure was same as always... nothing different

I use a paddle strop for my paste runs, and a hanging strop for everyday use. I use the paddle strop a lot because I sharpen while I am eating breakfast and reading the paper. Because you can carry it around. It seems to be a good routine and my blades are really nice these days.

My shave was really great this morning... as it is most of the time. The key is to make it perfect EVERYTIME!!! One of these days, that will be the case.

If your blades are in such great trim and you're still feeling like you need to sharpen them, perhapse you need to work on you technique just a little. Refining your shaving angl;e and adding a little cuttling angle if you're not usin one can make a big difference. You might also want to ask yourself if your beard prep could be any better. Just thinking is all.

X

thanks for the advice...
The more time I spend on the prep. the better, it all boils down to how much time I want to spend getting my beard ready. Lately I have been heating up some H2O especially for the lather. And that extra heat really makes a difference. Technique is always improving and I am using both hands these days. In this instance, however, there was something strange about the blade and it was not fit for shaving. And since it was hair test sharp, I assumed I may have overdone it by running it along the pasted strop. Anyways it seems to be back to normal.

It's not possible for the strop to over sharpen the edge, only align it for shaving. Bad stropping can ruin the edge though. The HHT is achievebale by blades in many unshavable states. It's not so much that it cut the hair, but HOW which qualifies it as a pass. You want an effortless clip without a sound. Then, of course it's still got to pass the most important test, the Shave Test.

X

Originally Posted by morningshow

thanks for the advice...
The more time I spend on the prep. the better, it all boils down to how much time I want to spend getting my beard ready. Lately I have been heating up some H2O especially for the lather. And that extra heat really makes a difference. Technique is always improving and I am using both hands these days. In this instance, however, there was something strange about the blade and it was not fit for shaving. And since it was hair test sharp, I assumed I may have overdone it by running it along the pasted strop. Anyways it seems to be back to normal.

I have to concur I don't think you can oversharpen even with a pasted strop. It takes too little off at a time.

As Johnny would say...
That's some weird wild stuff. Let me say this as well... This is by far my best blade (puma) in comparison to the others I have. It is my first "pricey" blade and it certainly holds the sharpness better. (no stropping dring the shave necessary) I probably did something different and just didn't notice.