Silly question if I may. There is some discussion around smooth, harsh and keen edges which leads me to this question.
Can an edge be too sharp?
Can an edge be too sharp?
What methods can I use to tone down an ultra sharp edge? I have very sensitive skin.Simple answer is yes as it may irritate your skin or not be durable enough to last through an entire shave, but there are many different methods to tone an ultra-sharp edge down so that you retain the sharpness yet shed the not so good qualities.
My whiskers is avarge I would guess, but have very sensitive skin and have ultra sharp edges. I think microchips could be to culprit, not sure how to fix it.Yes, and no. When steel is sharpened, the edge becomes thinner. That makes the edge "sharper". However, as the edge becomes thinner, it becomes more brittle and can start to crumble leaving a harsh (not smooth) edge. Some steels have finer grain structure and can be honed to a thinner, finer, sharper edge before break-down occurs. Grain structure depends not only on the composition of the steel, but the tempering process. I have one straight razor that has brittle steel; I cannot get an edge sharp enough for shaving my beard without it starting to microchip. I have tried many different methods: synthetic and natural hones, tape and no tape, pasted strops, etc. and nothing seems to work. Maybe one day I will figure it out.
The level of sharpness you need in a razor edge depends upon the coarseness/toughness of your beard. The level of smoothness you need in a razor edge depends upon the sensitivity of your skin. That is why there is such a great debate on the "best" DE blades and the best method of honing a straight razor. What will work best for you will depend on your beard and your skin type. Unfortunately, I have a tough beard and sensitive skin, so getting an edge with suitable sharpness and smoothness can be a challenge.
My whiskers is avarge I would guess, but have very sensitive skin and have ultra sharp edges. I think microchips could be to culprit, not sure how to fix it.
Well said, I can add nothing to this.Yes, and no. When steel is sharpened, the edge becomes thinner. That makes the edge "sharper". However, as the edge becomes thinner, it becomes more brittle and can start to crumble leaving a harsh (not smooth) edge. Some steels have finer grain structure and can be honed to a thinner, finer, sharper edge before break-down occurs. Grain structure depends not only on the composition of the steel, but the tempering process. I have one straight razor that has brittle steel; I cannot get an edge sharp enough for shaving my beard without it starting to microchip. I have tried many different methods: synthetic and natural hones, tape and no tape, pasted strops, etc. and nothing seems to work. Maybe one day I will figure it out.
The level of sharpness you need in a razor edge depends upon the coarseness/toughness of your beard. The level of smoothness you need in a razor edge depends upon the sensitivity of your skin. That is why there is such a great debate on the "best" DE blades and the best method of honing a straight razor. What will work best for you will depend on your beard and your skin type. Unfortunately, I have a tough beard and sensitive skin, so getting an edge with suitable sharpness and smoothness can be a challenge.
You really don't need more than 100x magnification with a microscope. If it looks good at 100 its a very good edge.
microchips could be caused by a couple things
-too small a bevel angle - what is yours?
-large scratches to edge that werent honed out -
-weak(ened) steel
microchips could be caused by a couple things
-too small a bevel angle - what is yours?
-large scratches to edge that werent honed out -
-weak(ened) steel
-pitting
figuring out what the issue is with the edge is half the fun of straights.
This is a YMMV type of thing. Some people thing a 30x loupe is sufficient. You like 100X. I use 200X. The person above used 300X. I know that DrMatt357 has a video on his use of a 900x scope. No matter what the magnification level, if you do not know how to interpret the image you are viewing, the image is useless. If you can correctly analyze what the picture shows, it is invaluable. Lighting conditions play as important a role as magnification.
Yes, everyone may use different mag. but my point was that if using a decent quality microscope 100 is plenty.
Many USB type and many more types of loupes are not true magnification numbers. I have seen photos supposedly at 2-300x and they are nowhere near as large and fine as my 100x.
I have a very good loupe also that if the edge looks good on that, the shave will be very nice. It is a lower mag. number but a very good quality so I would say the quality of magnification plays the largest part.
We sometimes get carried away with scopes when you think that this entire process can be done with none.
Silly question if I may. There is some discussion around smooth, harsh and keen edges which leads me to this question.
Can an edge be too sharp?
Interesting you mention technique (angle/pressure)....Getting back to the smooth vs sharp thing.
My recent thoughts about that, relate to shave technique. When I choose to create a very sharp edge, I have to adjust my shaving technique. I mean a flatter angle against the skin and a lighter touch. Otherwise, that sharp edge will exfoliate aggressively and be rough on the skin.
So I think you can have a sharp edge without it feeling harsh. You just have to be more careful.