A few questions on bevel angle

[Bear_Blade]

How anal are you guys when it comes to bevel angle? Are you measuring spine and height and calculating an angle to strive for?

Is there an angle for a bevel you think is too shallow? What do you consider an optimum angle?

I know there is a ratio of spine thickness to blade height that is optimal. Does that ratio change with the steel?

How about a micro bevel? How many hone in a micro bevel? At what angle in comparison to the main bevel?

Have you encountered a blade that was just too thin, and intentionally took some height out of the blade to increase the angle?


All these questions stem from a comment in another forum, so no I' on a mission... Is it an issue to know a blade is 17 degrees or 12 degrees?

 

[rickboone1]

At the end of the day....it's just shaving. Don't over think it. Get it sharp. Get the hair off. If you were making razors, this may be worth thinking about. For me...makes my head hurt.

 

[Mike H]

Here are some threads you might find helpful.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...on-a-bevel-angle-calculator-looking-for-input

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/269469-The-Bevel-Angle-Exposed-and-Revealed

 

[Bear_Blade]

Thank you gentlemen.

Bear

 

[Kentos]

It is my unfounded suspicion that bevel angle might influence the face feel of the blade as it passes through the hair, as well as the feeling of the blade directly on the skin. I know blade and bevel angle on planes make a huge difference in tear out in figured woods as well as the effort needed to move the plane over said wood. Does any of that translate to shaving? Dunno.

 

[global_dev]

How anal are you guys when it comes to bevel angle? Are you measuring spine and height and calculating an angle to strive for?

not that much.. but if i measure it's from where the spine makes contact to the hone.

Is there an angle for a bevel you think is too shallow? What do you consider an optimum angle?

somewhere from 16 to 20 degrees for me..

I know there is a ratio of spine thickness to blade height that is optimal. Does that ratio change with the steel?

i think there is, but i don't know. thats why i think 7/8s+ have much bigger spines. i don't think it makes as much a difference for SS vs carbon. but i could be wrong.

How about a micro bevel? How many hone in a micro bevel? At what angle in comparison to the main bevel?

don't like them, but when i have used or seen them, it's been the equivalent of adding 2 pieces of elec. tape to the spine.. (one piece on both sides)

Have you encountered a blade that was just too thin, and intentionally took some height out of the blade to increase the angle?

i have had a spine that i thought was too thin, with almost no hone wear.. i added a piece of tape for kicks… which effectively, i guess, cut down the height. without actually removing metal.

All these questions stem from a comment in another forum, so no I' on a mission... Is it an issue to know a blade is 17 degrees or 12 degrees

? i don't think it's an issue other than too thin and angle may be too sharp and not last long..

these are just my thoughts… hope they help

 

[Marco]

At the end of the day....it's just shaving. Don't over think it. Get it sharp. Get the hair off. If you were making razors, this may be worth thinking about. For me...makes my head hurt.

Pretty much my thoughts.

 

[Doc226]

15-17 is the idea if I remember correctly, I don't calculate it routinely unless the razor appears well worn.

I would try to shoot for it if making a razor though.

 

[daflorc]

It is my unfounded suspicion that bevel angle might influence the face feel of the blade as it passes through the hair, as well as the feeling of the blade directly on the skin. I know blade and bevel angle on planes make a huge difference in tear out in figured woods as well as the effort needed to move the plane over said wood. Does any of that translate to shaving? Dunno.

I feel the same way. There's been a couple big wedges that necessitated 3 layers of tape on the spine to avoid spending 6 years getting a bevel, and they do feel something different when shaving with...just something is not quite right.