Thread: Analysis of the Scythe and Guillotine Cuts. Spoiler: they are the same thing.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

LOL No I was hinting at the fact that everyone keeps saying a straight edge...

I caught your meaning. It is often useful when tackling a new problem to simplify matters to the greatest extent possible. Once a basic understanding is reached, then levels of complexity can be layered back in. Such is the case with a smiling blade. I would like to finish the rotational scything case before moving into this territory. And to be honest, as you have suggested, there is only so much a simple model can do. There will always be subtle variables resulting from the human element that cannot be tractably represented. Thus, I keep my aims limited.

I was not aware of the angled honing technique you suggested. That said, I have a question. Ultimately, isn't the tip of the edge the only part doing the cutting? If so, don't //////// and \\\\\\\\ look the same at the point of contact on the skin with the razor (namely .........)? It is plausible that honing at an angle such as this will result in closer striations relative to straight honing, and I could see that impacting the final edge, but for a blade held at 20 degrees and a bevel of 17 degrees, the striations aren't even in contact with the skin, so their presence along the non-cutting portion of the blade seems irrelevant?

What am I missing?