Do you care about hair?

A few licks on a diamond stone and a quick strop on yer pants leg is all it takes to maintain an armhair shaving edge, if you don't let it get super dull it takes all of 10 seconds to do, the only knifelike cutting tools I don't keep that sharp on a regular basis are machetes.
 
When I sharpen my knives, I go for a well formed and cleanly shaped apex. Sharpened that way, it will inevitably shave armhair.
 
Yes. That's how I test my sharpening job. I've found that shaving sharp is all I need for my daily tasks and I try to keep all of my blades at that level. Anything duller and I know it could be improved and that bugs me.
 
I like mine sharp. I enjoy sharpening on my Wicked Edge. I have the ultra fine stones for my old Sharp Marker so touch ups are quick. So for me the answer is yes. BTW, I just tested the Large Sebenza Insingo in my pocket and it cut hair with no problem.
 
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I dont carry a known "dull" knife, but between touchups/sharpenings I often use those that prob wouldnt shave arm hair. I find that they can still do most jobs that I find I run into daily. If it aint broke, dont fix it. I like a "toothy working edge" for my work knives. Some I run longer than others between working on them-Just an excuse to have a wide array in your collection. YMMV
 
My work knife can get away with not being hair shaving sharp at all times. My weekend and outing knives, no. They need to be shaving sharp. The last thing I want to do is be caught sawing away at something with a knife when Im just trying to have a good time.
 
I agree that it's important to note the distinction between a knife that can cut arm hair and "shaving sharp".

Any knife should be able to cut arm hair, in my opinion, but most people's pocket knives will not--and probably should not--be able to shave like a razor.
 
Yup, a few swipes on the Sharpmaker UF rods do it for me. I usually test on the top of my left wrist, so I can cover it up with a watch :D
 
I've never been able to get a hair-shaving edge on any of the knives, regardless of steel or edge geometry. I don't completely suck at sharpening, and can get a good working edge on my knives that will make short work of cardboard, fibrous material, that mean looking apple in my lunchbox, and occasional wood. The edge I am capable of putting on my steel works for my needs just fine.
 
As long as the blade slices through paper, as opposed to tearing, I'm good to go.
 
If it won't shave without pressure, it gets the strop.

If it won't jump hairs, it gets the strop.

It puts the strop on it's edge, or else it gets the hose again!




I might be OCD.
 
Ichop said:
Yup, a few swipes on the Sharpmaker UF rods do it for me. I usually test on the top of my left wrist, so I can cover it up with a watch :D
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Now, that's brilliant. Why haven't I ever thought of that... I usually shave the inside of the arms as it's less visible.



Getahl said:
I've never been able to get a hair-shaving edge on any of the knives, regardless of steel or edge geometry.
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That's surprising to me. I've never had a knife not at least shave arm hair after being sharpened -- and usually it shaves arm hair at least decent before even progressing to fine grits.

Are you sure you're fully apexing the edge?
 
Shotgun said:
A knife doesn't have to shave arm hair to do the things that are required of it. A knife can be sharp without being able to do that...

I think having to have it razor sharp all the time is coming from people who don't use their knives all that much or are borderline OCD. At least as far as knives. Nothing wrong with that. I used to do the same. However, after really starting to use my knives I've found that this is just unnecessary sharpening that will decrease the life of the knife. Unless you hardly ever use it. :D
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this man speaketh the truth
 
Shaving sharp depends on the angle/steel... I like my D2/S30V to cut like a chainsaw while I like 154cm shaving sharp. My personal preference. Even my 110 in 420HC is nice with a proper stropping. Don't ask what is best...ask what is best for YOUR need(s)..
 
Bigfattyt said:
It puts the strop on it's edge, or else it gets the hose again!
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What came to mind after that post ;)
447B6AA5-83F2-4CBB-96F0-DD11B28FF897-1827-000001F28064C490_zps15c787e2.jpg
 
Nope. I like it when they shave, but as long as it will draw cut a time magazine inner page it's good enough.

When I sharpen them, I try for shaving, but am not always successful. I also don't have very thick arm hair, so it's really hard to shave.
 
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