Quote Originally Posted by OCDshaver View Post
I don't find the two mutually exclusive. If you want a good shave, it will need a good edge. The better the edge, the better it shaves. Case in point, I just acquired a vintage Boker. It appears to be NOS. The edge honed absolutely beautifully. It came around easily and took an extraordinary polish. As a result, it shaves like a dream. Super sharp that goes through my beard like a hot knife through butter. And is there any irritation? Not a bit. Now I have another razor that is problematic on the hones. It struggles to hold an edge, chips, and is finicky as hell. And how does it shave? Terrible.
And there is your answer.

If you are experienced on the hones, you will know by the end of the honing process if a razor will shave well or not. You will also know what would be the best finisher.