06-06-2019, 02:53 PM
I don't know why I can get my Japanese kitchen knives sharper than my straight razors, but the straight razors still shave just fine, and a lot easier than using a kitchen knife.
One thing I don't quite understand is why the benchmark for razor blades, a Feather double edge, only measures BESS 50 straight out of the wrapper. Even without shaving, 12-24 hours later, it loses a significant level of sharpness. I don't remember how much it loses just to oxidation, but I wonder how much they lose after a shave. Do guys have to use a new blade every shave, or is there much difference between a brand new blade and a used one? I mean is there much difference between a fresh BESS 50 and say... BESS 75?
I have never, in 35 years of growing whiskers, shaved regularly, so I am genuinely a poor candidate for razor answers. I used to use disposable razors, and I would normally get at least half a dozen shaves out of one. I'm wondering... how many shaves does a disposable blade yield, and what do you suppose the BESS sharpness level of tolerability is?
I do not put forth much effort on my straight razor at all. I take it to the stones once or twice/year. Normally I just give it half a dozen passes per side on 1µ PDP, and another half dozen on 1µ CBN. That keeps it at BESS 75, and I'm satisfied with that. Is there really much difference between a new Feather at BESS 50 and something at BESS 75?
For the guys who get their straight razors really sharp, what level of sharpness do you maintain, and what does it take to maintain your level of comfort?
Thank you for any insight.
One thing I don't quite understand is why the benchmark for razor blades, a Feather double edge, only measures BESS 50 straight out of the wrapper. Even without shaving, 12-24 hours later, it loses a significant level of sharpness. I don't remember how much it loses just to oxidation, but I wonder how much they lose after a shave. Do guys have to use a new blade every shave, or is there much difference between a brand new blade and a used one? I mean is there much difference between a fresh BESS 50 and say... BESS 75?
I have never, in 35 years of growing whiskers, shaved regularly, so I am genuinely a poor candidate for razor answers. I used to use disposable razors, and I would normally get at least half a dozen shaves out of one. I'm wondering... how many shaves does a disposable blade yield, and what do you suppose the BESS sharpness level of tolerability is?
I do not put forth much effort on my straight razor at all. I take it to the stones once or twice/year. Normally I just give it half a dozen passes per side on 1µ PDP, and another half dozen on 1µ CBN. That keeps it at BESS 75, and I'm satisfied with that. Is there really much difference between a new Feather at BESS 50 and something at BESS 75?
For the guys who get their straight razors really sharp, what level of sharpness do you maintain, and what does it take to maintain your level of comfort?
Thank you for any insight.