What I haven't read in this discussion yet is this: I like plinking hairs. It gives me satisfaction to see that my own honing and stropping, which I like as well, made my razor sharp enough to cut a hair in mid-air. I like impressing visitors with it. I like honing my pocket knife until it can pop hairs, even though the edge won't last two days.

Does that make it a good test? No. Is it fun? Yup. What is the most important reason for me to shave with a straight razor? Fun.