Going to try something....first video. With
@jtface and
@timabababaluka starting off in the open edge world, thought it may be interesting for them.
Also, wifey and the girls have been watching Barbie movies for 6+ hours straight this afternoon.....and I needed something else to do. First was a bike ride for 8.2 miles in 47 minutes, and while not overly impressive (for those who ride road bikes)...this was on a 4" fat tire mountain bike, weighs 37.5 pounds. I didn't want to dust off the road bike, the fat tire bike is more fun (and comfy). Got back....they are now mid way on Barbie movie #3....so off to the garage to listen to some jams.
Took 7 of my razors for a round through the pasted strop then linen leather progression. I only 'refreshed' the edges using the tools shown earlier today. About 40 laps on each pasted strop (14k/50k/100k/200k), then 30 on clean linen, finished with 20 on bridle leather.
Two razors everyone has seen before, the Toyo 777, a full hollow, and you'll see how easily (and lightly) it 'tree tops' arm hair. You can also hear it ping/sing as it cuts. The Drew Dick is more of a half hollow, very thick blade, and using the same technique for the 777, topped a few hairs (it was also the exact same spot I just used for the Toyo). So, went back for a second try, using more of a firm stroke and different area of hair. Hopefully, you'll see the difference...it topped more than the Toyo. Notice there is very little sound when the DD is cutting.
Why use tree topping as a test? Well, there's all sorts of open edge razor sharpness tests. Some are hard to work through (hanging hair test, for example). This test is super simple. I've seen it done in Glen's (gssixgun) videos, and videos with Lynn Abrams while they are demonstrating honing. Two professional straight razor restorers/honers (although Lynn has retired). Another super simple way is feeling how your straight razor works as you are shaving. In my shaving world, a slightly tugging or uncomfortable shaving straight just barely passes this test. I almost have to press it to my arm and shave like it's against my face. But...remember, in this test, if the razor passes (even against the skin)....the edge is still cutting, so it has a decent bevel set, and the edge would rarely need to see hone time. Tree topping is a stroke 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the skin line. At where these two razors are now, in my world....it's super smooth shaving again.
To see the video, you'll have to click the link below, which should open to Vimeo.com in a separate tab or window (hopefully). Enjoy!
Click to expand...
