Thread: Too Sharp

Originally Posted by jaswarb

I use a B & L 45X stereo microscope to check my bevel and then recheck my progress through the hones. Edge defects jump right out visually but they are no indication of what the blade will feel like on my face. Perfect appearing under the scope can easily be harsh on the face.

Is this what you mean?

Microscope Fiends! Run away! Run Away!

Originally Posted by mumpig

A fascinating discussion and a very complex one. So many variables! Does anyone use something like a dissecting microscope to clearly visualize what a high-quality shaving edge looks like, then compare the edges that come off different hones and strops? I know the final test is the shave but I'm trying (as a newbie) to come up with a way to understand the results in a way that provides a different kind of feedback.

Ask, and we shall hook ye up! Here is a set of Tim Zowada's micrographs of bevels created by different hones. Within it is a link to another set of micrographs, this time of the edges, including some stropped on CrOx. I don't know of any micrographic comparisons of stropped edges, though.

Happy ogling. These are the micrographs that caused me to rush out and buy one of my hones. View at your own risk.

So! Ye thinks the microscope is mightier than the sword? Sorry. Tis but a scratch!

Your mother wears army boots and your father smells of elderberry wine.

Originally Posted by DaveW

If you find the same as I have, you'll find that it will maintain a razor by itself much longer, and if it's hard like horsebutt, it will utlimately be more forgiving to pressure. After a month or so of use on the same razor, I will have to increase pressure on the strop from time to time to make it feel like a fresh edge (despite the fact that it hasn't been hit with abrasives). I was worried at first that I would create a small convex edge, but even after two months of use, the edge is brought back fresh with 50 laps in my finest finishing stone.

Yep, it's hard like horsebutt. Old Suntorbach select shell and it is hard and slick but puts a wonderful edge on my razors.

Originally Posted by KenWeir

They use coticules at dovo? That's a waste considering the edge when it arrives. I shaved once with mine & sent it to Lynn.

No, it was very likely a waste of time and money sending your razor in to get honed. You should have just (properly) stropped your razor.

Maybe mine was a fluke then, but beginner that I am I could tell a marked difference between it and the dovo I ordered already honed from srd.

Originally Posted by JeffR

No, it was very likely a waste of time and money sending your razor in to get honed. You should have just (properly) stropped your razor.

Originally Posted by KenWeir

Maybe mine was a fluke then, but beginner that I am I could tell a marked difference between it and the dovo I ordered already honed from srd.

Maybe this will help

Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: January 2012


"Shaving Sharp" and "Shave Ready" are two different things

An edge which will shave is very different than an edge you want to shave with. My first shave was with one of these....



I thought is was razor sharp at the time.

Boy have I learned a lot.

As my shaving technique improved my honing technique improved and now my least acceptable shaving edge bears little resemblance to what many people swear is "Shave Ready".

Some of the videos I view make me wince with pain while watching someone else demonstrate their perfect shaving edge.

A Gemstarcustoms DFS is one of very few "Shave Ready" razors I have used most aren't even close.