Thread: Paper testing razors

For the record I shave directly off all my cotis and jnats and basically any finisher. If you have your technique down right you can shave off any finisher with plain stropping . These included i'm sure.

You can shave right off of the stone, but why would you want to when a strop will improve the edge 100% of the time?

How much does the paper affect the edge? Let's say on your final swipe through a piece of paper, and you're satisfied that the edge is where you want it, are you needing to take the razor to the hone again? I think what I'm confused on is that if a razor can slice through some fairly coarse facial hair, will a thin piece of paper ruin the edge of the razor?

In a word, Yes.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

Thanks to all that contribute useful info. Euclid440, between the venom, I see tons of wisdom. Thanks for your input here as well. I could do without all the furor, and misquotes, but whatever.

We see a lot of budding experts come to SRP with claims they cannot substantiate & methods that are wasteful of steel, to name but a few things we deal with. Please don't mistake cynicism with venom.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

How much does the paper affect the edge? Let's say on your final swipe through a piece of paper, and you're satisfied that the edge is where you want it, are you needing to take the razor to the hone again? I think what I'm confused on is that if a razor can slice through some fairly coarse facial hair, will a thin piece of paper ruin the edge of the razor?

Paper has clay & other fillers in it so it is more destructive.. Any destructive test is ok while setting a bevel as long as you finally set the bevel. What you don't do is use those tests at end stages of honing.
You hone the razor to shave hair so any damge thru shaving is acceptable wear n tear.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Please don't mistake cynicism with venom.

Point taken.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Paper has clay & other fillers in it so it is more destructive.. Any destructive test is ok while setting a bevel as long as you finally set the bevel. What you don't do is use those tests at end stages of honing.
You hone the razor to shave hair so any damge thru shaving is acceptable wear n tear.

So does there exist an objective test prior to the actual shave, that will give an indication of how well this edge will perform?

Originally Posted by Slurryer

So does there exist an objective test prior to the actual shave, that will give an indication of how well this edge will perform?

No test can indicate comfort on the face. AFAIK only a variety of sharpness tests exist.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

So does there exist an objective test prior to the actual shave, that will give an indication of how well this edge will perform?

Since the comfort of a shave is a completely personal experience, it is by definition subjective. How would you devise an objective test for a subjective quality?

Originally Posted by Slurryer

How much does the paper affect the edge? Let's say on your final swipe through a piece of paper, and you're satisfied that the edge is where you want it, are you needing to take the razor to the hone again? I think what I'm confused on is that if a razor can slice through some fairly coarse facial hair, will a thin piece of paper ruin the edge of the razor?

It is not going to ruin the edge if you have some experience with it, but anything you cut with a razor will cause some destruction to the edge, and paper is certainly no exception. 'Clay', very similar material to what your hone is made of. Your beard is not either, as everywhere you look stropping before the next shave is recommended. But you would still be sitting by the hone. By this point, 4 or 5 more passes on the hone should repair any damage, and you are likely to strop some before shaving also. Perhaps you could be the person to perfect both methods by combining a single HHT with paper cutting, so a single hht would be the last test before the shave. But even if not, with experience with the finishing and any test you do, you will know by this point if you are ready for the strop or test shave. I have not had a toothy edge problem in quite some time testing with paper.
Cheers

Originally Posted by bigeasy1

I have not had a toothy edge problem in quite some time testing with paper.
Cheers

Another thing that happens after some time is that the hands get more educated & lighter so less toothy mashed up edges. Testing with paper does not create less 'teeth'.