Thread: Paper testing razors

Originally Posted by Slurryer

No special claims or abilities on my part. Only observations that I'm trying to connect with experiences. I mentioned HHT here because of an observation that was different after honing on this stone. Being new to a lot of this, I don't really know whither those observations matter at all. The comments I'm getting back, positive and negative are helping me to validate whither I should tie that observation with this last shave experience. You're fairly convinced that I should throw any HHT observation out with the toilet water. Ask me about HHT in a year, I may join you in that opinion. But for now I'm seeing some repeatable patterns that have some value. Not valuable enough to say a razor is shave ready, but enough to say that the edge is not getting more dull, or the edge is getting more sharp. For a newbie, that's valuable. For someone with more experience, MMV. Viva La Razor!

EDIT
Just thinking how funny that would be.
Slurry AKA
The Blade Whisperer

Ah, we are getting some good conversation going. I agree with most here. As for HHT, why is it professed so much by the "Gurus" if it is so lacking. I agree that it is necessary to determine early on that there are no imperfections in the edge. I try to do this before leaving 1K. I do not agree that it is necessary to go to 8K on synthetics. I have used the La Roccia a good bit. I could not say with any certainty what grit it is, and really don't care. It polishes fast with the slurry, even only honing to 4 k prior to that, and finishes faster and keener, and smoother, than my c12K. For me. I have not been honing razors for 40 years, but have been honing that long. I started razors with all natural stones. Wasn't easy, and I don't recommend it, but was a learning situation anyway. Think most of us go on learning for a long while. At the risk of getting blasted, I cut paper to test a razor. From 600 grit diamond, all of the way thru slurry and clear water. The cuts should get quieter and smoother. Each test tests the edge for consistence from heel to toe. The only real test is on your face, but cutting paper gets me closer than anything else I have tried prior to the shave. When the razor seems to float thru the paper, with barely a ""Whisper"", it is very very close. But this is not just keenness, it is smooth. A 12K diamond hone will make noticeably more noise. Unlike hair, it is possible to buy notepads that are completely consistent from first sheet to last, and my thin hair doesn't get thinner, at least not because I keep pulling it out. Oh, I use the edge of the long side of the slurry stone, with a good bit of pressure. It is necessary to be careful when first using the slurry that no larger grits are making little tick noises. It is good to throw cautions in at times, like 'It can't be learned with a 5 minute youtube' :-)
But looks like we are all learning a little from each other. That is what the whole forum is about isn't it?
Cheers!