My edges are not uncomfortable and my face does not sting post shave. I started the thread just to say I judge the edge by a first pass, but I now know I should judge them based on the second or third. The reason is if I use a manufactured blade, a first pass on my beard type is going to yield a similar shave to the SR.
Just a follow up as I have been using a more shallow angle the past couple of days and finding any cutting feel to have diminished. Very smooth shave with the edges that I've evaluated.
I enjoy the feeling of sharp - even shavette sharp. I finish with a progression of diamond pasted balsa, .5u, .25u and .1u. While the .5 and .25 are very sharp they aren’t quite comfortable. The .1 really smooths out the edge to a comfortable level.
.1 has transformed every straight razor that I use. I can now get the same shave as I do from a Feather SS shavette using Feather Pro Guard blades.
It’s kind of interesting that ‘sharpness’ is equated with fineness (of honing grit). When testing/using jnats, I usually equate a finer grit stone with a couple of qualities, one is smoothness, and the other is how long it takes for my 5 o’clock shadow to reappear. If it’s a velvet squeegee and the 5 o’clock shadow shows up around 10:00 pm, I associate that with a finer grit stone. I understand that equating smoothness with a finer grit stone may not be technically correct, cotis are smooth and not that fine. I can create a shavette-like edge on clear water with several of my jnat finishers, but I don’t enjoy those edges that much. Don’t misunderstand, these edges are every bit as smooth as the other edges that I enjoy better, but if you’re not minding your Ps and Qs, they like to give you a little ‘love bite’ just to get your attention. Other than just being able to do it, there’s really no reason to create the ‘fussy’ edge when I can just as easily create an edge that performs as well but with a lower ‘pucker factor’.
You've just demonstrated why there is no such thing as a hone master in shaving ,and I mean that with all due respect. Whatever occurs by using diamond paste results in a better shave. By better, I mean more efficient, and by efficient I mean fewer passes. I would never suggest my experience will or can translate into your experience. Could I produce something similar with your stones? Perhaps, but for less than $20, why would I try? Hone masters have taken over the SR forums. They get pissed anytime they are questioned. That said, they never shave my face, but they are content to tell me what should work. It's really quite laughable. Please don't take offense, brother Steve. Perhaps when the works all done this Fall, me and you can meet and break bread. These discussions would be so much more meaningful then.
I've thought about these discussions and applied them to other tools I use where sharpness is a factor. Whether it is a lawn mower blade or a firewood splitting axe, sharpness determines the amount of work that is required to perform a task. More sharp mean less work. How you choose to get to sharp is another matter of discussion.
So, my shave from this morning is 11 hours old barely anything on the cheeks, corners, or chin. Moustache area of course is beginning to show. Was the edge sharp. Some might question, but not me.
For me, nothing outshaves: This... $13 And this...... Also about $13 4-5 shaves per 1/2 blade. A guy who has sold and honed over 20 thousand straights told me the Feather Artist Club will beat it. I have never tried one. A Feather DE will go 5-7 shaves per 1/2, but are a little 'toothy' on day 2. Edit... day one Shaving with and honing true straights is a skill, hobby, and art form that brings a challenge snd satisfaction to me. Smoother, faster, more comfortable shaves? ...... hmm, I don't think so.
The Feather is the only shavette in my collection. I started with the Pro Guard blades and have not used them all up to date. I've found the Feather system to be a good one, easy to use, and light as air. This is what I use to define sharp for the blades I prepare.
I agree about the Feather blade. I find it to be very sharp but somehow offensive. Personna Blue were my favorite blades when I used a DE but not so in a shavette. Derby is the most comfortable for me so far and plenty sharp enough and I believe I have enough for the remainder of my life. I generally use traditional straight razors but appreciate the convenience benefits of shavettes
I have a bulk 100 of 'Comfort Coated' Personnas in a blue box. Not sure if they are the same or not. For me they are like Derby, 1 and done. Now that you reminded me I prolly ought to use them up.
