Hair shaving edge or using edge

[lhytrek]

Jerry,
On another thread you were talking about the customers wanting a hair shaving edge but your tacticals you liked to put on a more durable edge. Please explain the difference and how you create the more durable edge.

[Jason Cutter]

Personally, I think that a good working edge should extend to being shaving sharp at the start. I find an edge that shaves at the start is easier to maintain than a toothy, coarse grit type edge that "rips." For the maker, there is a fine line between over-polishing an edge, and having a rougher edge that cuts by sawing.

The issue surrounds some makers using shaving sharp edges that are so polished they bind or slide on coarse, fibrous materials, and a rough toothy edge that goes dead-dull once the "teeth" have been knocked over with use.

Doesn't really answer your question, but I use a 320grit belt to create a convex edge and then hone it by hand on a medium ceramic rod till it shaves. My "very basic" technique satisfies ME with the compromise between polished vs. toothy edge.

Jason.

[Jerry Hossom]

I probably should have been clearer. All my edges shave. The difference is shaving and SHAVING, just cutting hair and having it fly off your arm seemingly before the edge even touches it. The more durable edge is generally a wide convex edge, running maybe 1/8" or more up the blade, and has a steeper angle at the edge, probably in the 25-28 degree range. The hair popper is closer to 20 degrees.