Thread: Paper testing razors

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