Going from sharp to smooth

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

I've gotten to the point in learning to hone that I can get my razors very sharp using various combinations of Norton's, Naniwas, a coticule, a JNAT and some laps on a strop treated with crox. The one thing I'm not able to do (yet) is consistently get to where the initial shave is smooth. The razor cuts hair without difficulty or any tugging at all but if anything seems too sharp or harsh. After a couple of shaves/strops it generally settles in and I start getting a smoother shave.

I generally finish off honing with with some laps on the crox treated strop (usually 10-15) followed by 40 or so on canvas then 50 or so on leather. Any tips or techniques for getting to a level that's both sharp and smooth on the first shave after honing?

 

[Gamma]

Skip the Crox - see if that helps.

 

[Krodor]

Yeah, try skipping the CrOx. I used to like it, cuz it was like falling off a log to get a crazy-sharp edge. My skin HATED it that sharp though. Light touch and all that, I'd end up with red-face all day at work. I've since gotten rid of it, and am enjoying shaves straight off various finishers (coti, CNAT, or surgical black Arkansas......or film). Edges are smoother now, face is happier, and shaves are just as smooth. plus I've gotten to know my rocks better, since I don't have that green crutch any more.

 

[Doc226]

I find going from a JNAT to leather without any pastes or sprays to be both sharp and smooth.

I have gotten some light saber edges with film/CBN spray but not comfortable at all to shave with.

 

[Kentos]

IMO there is a difference between sharp and harsh, but it's a fine line. I could never get a smooth edge from my Naniwas, but a coticule or Jnat edge souped up with CBN is smooth and sharp. There were a few friends I sent CBN to who felt the edges were harshened up by it so its a YMMV.

I would look into a natural hone if you have some cash to experiment with. You can also try lessening the passes on Crox. Sometimes 2-4 laps are all you need before it's overcooked.

 

[paco664]

toss the CROX in the nearest trashcan....

from the stone to the leather.... first stropping give it 100 or so loving passes....

you will also find after about 5-6 shaves the edge will mellow out....

 

[alx gilmore]

I find going from a JNAT to leather without any pastes or sprays to be both sharp and smooth.

I have gotten some light saber edges with film/CBN spray but not comfortable at all to shave with.

The consensus is in, and I concur.

Alx

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

All of my razors are in "maintenance mode" now so it'll be a while before one goes back to the rock (unless I deliberately dull one) but next time I'll skip the crox post honing and see how that goes.

Thanks all for the advice.

 

[Bayamontate]

After you skip the CrOx, reduce and/or eliminate the water only laps and see how that feels.

 

[Disburden]

A well honed razor should not be harsh. I can use chromium oxide on linen and only see improvments, not bad side edfects.If your edge is developing rough spots or chips the chromium oxide will make it worse.That is caused by the honing before the paste.

 

[Neurotopia]

I can't agree. CrOx has never been anything but harsher for me, it's a YMMV thing. The same edge finished on AlumOx is just as sharp but significantly milder than my CrOx edges, but that's my personal preference.