gcgallant
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I post to whichever is convenient that day. I find Lemmy to be easier to upload images to. Is that a capability on the PieFed server now?
I think I’ve been using light pressure
Then you probably have been.
what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
It is a very gradual change. It is an edge that feels smooth but is looses its ability to cut well. If the edge feels harsh, and it was not originally that way, then you likely have a breakdown of the edge at the apex. This would look very toothy on one of my microscope photos.
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges.
Another thing you can do is to take some worn, clean denim (cut from an old pair of jeans), stretch it over a 2x4 and apply a light amount of green chromium oxide paste. Then, about every 10 shaves, or so, do 20-30 stropping laps on this “loaded” strop. This will significantly extend the time between honings on your razors.
Though I guess that could help keep you busy! I have no idea what to do if I’m not busy 🤔
I think it is mostly a combination of steel and technique. While beard hair diameter may vary greatly, I bet shear resistance has a very narrow distribution.
You can typically get about 30 - 40 shaves on a good edge on good steel, but you do have to adapt to the edge as it gets less keen. Stropping can work against you if you are using heavier pressure. It will round the edge. All that said, except for AA challenges, I find myself refreshing edges after 10 to 15 shaves. This is definitely excessive, but here at Hones-R-Us, I need to keep busy.
January 14, 2026
- Brush: Elite Razor Honduran Rosewood Burl 24mm HMW Fan
- Razor: Ale 7/8 Full Hollow Spanish Point
- Lather: Areffa Soap - August Moon - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Areffa Soap - August Moon - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Great test shave with this Ale razor. This was my second use of Areffa Soap August Moon. This has a wonderful soap base (bear tallow) and has a subtle fragrance which opens up beautifully as you use it.
Test Shave - Ale Straight Razor - Areffa August Moon
January 12, 2026
- Brush: Chisel & Hound Classic 26mm V23 Fanchurian
- Razor: Thiers Issard Sheffield Best Silver Steel 6/8 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: Elysian Soap Shop - El Dorado - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Coconut - Toner
- Aftershave: Elysian Soap Shop - El Dorado - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - El Dorado - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This was a test shave of the edge that I created on this Thiers Issard razor using a Nakayama Japanese natural stone. I was very pleased with the result.
Shaving with a Thiers Issard in Search of El Dorado
January 11, 2026
- Brush: Brad Sears Scotsman XL 28mm Super Badger
- Razor: Thiers Issard Évidé Sonnant 6/8" Extra Hollow
- Lather: Wholly Kaw - Cedrati - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Coconut - Toner
- Aftershave: Floris London - No. 89 - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Close comfortable shave. No nicks or irritation.
As of this evening’s shave I’ve decided all this fuss about bevel angle (self-generated) is overrated 😂
January 10, 2026
- Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
- Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow
- Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
The River Razor 6/8 has a slightly large bevel angle (19 degrees) and I have not had the type of shave that I hoped to have with it. Today, I tried preparing the razor with a Jnat edge (for softness), and using the same “soft touch” technique that I used yesterday with the 22 degree Thiers Issard razor. I’m thrilled to learn that this technique also worked with my River Razor. I may have just learned how to shave.
