Thread: test results - positive or negative

After having something of a setback in my daily shaves, I am trying different tests and want to describe what I've done and the results:

1. I went back to the 8k Norton and worked it until I was absolutely confident it passed the thumbnail test (easy) ---now:

2. Stropped until I felt it passed the thumbpad test by running pad across blade.
3. In preparation to shave, I stropped on linen and leather then performed these tests:


A. shaved hairs on my arms - used shaving motiong (tip leading) Result: cut very fine hair very easily

B. Different thumbpad test: ran pad parallel to edge with a rocking motion (lower left to upper right). This was VERY lightly with very short strokes. Result: the blade stuck into my thumb and wouldn't allow the completion of the rocking motion. Basically, the edge moved with my thumb once it "stuck" into the skin

C. HHT - took wife's very fine hair out of hair brush. Held it in 1/2 inch increments. Passed it by the stationary edge replicating a shaving motion (meaning - passed hair by blade at a diagonal motion approx 1/16 inch away from fingers that held the hair. I figured that was close to what the blade would do to my hair on my face) Result: Pop, Pop, Pop. Every time (could actually hear a subtle pop)

Well Doctors? is my edge positive for shave-ready or negative?

I know, the shave test is the ultimate and best, I'm onboard with this. I'm just trying to see if I'm getting to the point where I could try the shave test.

Originally Posted by steve

After having something of a setback in my daily shaves, I am trying different tests and want to describe what I've done and the results:

1. I went back to the 8k Norton and worked it until I was absolutely confident it passed the thumbnail test (easy) ---now:

2. Stropped until I felt it passed the thumbpad test by running pad across blade.
3. In preparation to shave, I stropped on linen and leather then performed these tests:


A. shaved hairs on my arms - used shaving motiong (tip leading) Result: cut very fine hair very easily

B. Different thumbpad test: ran pad parallel to edge with a rocking motion (lower left to upper right). This was VERY lightly with very short strokes. Result: the blade stuck into my thumb and wouldn't allow the completion of the rocking motion. Basically, the edge moved with my thumb once it "stuck" into the skin

C. HHT - took wife's very fine hair out of hair brush. Held it in 1/2 inch increments. Passed it by the stationary edge replicating a shaving motion (meaning - passed hair by blade at a diagonal motion approx 1/16 inch away from fingers that held the hair. I figured that was close to what the blade would do to my hair on my face) Result: Pop, Pop, Pop. Every time (could actually hear a subtle pop)

Well Doctors? is my edge positive for shave-ready or negative?

I know, the shave test is the ultimate and best, I'm onboard with this. I'm just trying to see if I'm getting to the point where I could try the shave test.

Steve, can you do like on Tom and Jerry and let the hair fall gently end first and split it down the middle --if not then start over.

Justin

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

Steve, can you do like on Tom and Jerry and let the hair fall gently end first and split it down the middle --if not then start over.

Justin

Never gonna happen. If I waited to that result, I'd have a full beard for years.

That sounds like it's time to shave test to me.

X

Originally Posted by steve

Never gonna happen. If I waited to that result, I'd have a full beard for years.

Seriuosly, I don't know how much more you can aim for --I mean what else can you do. It is kind of strange that we use dry hair to test a razor but spend effort to make sure our face stubble is totally soaked. . Some people (in posts I've read) talk about seeing how the hair cuts. Whether it nicely separates or pops or jumps when cut can give clues but I don't know. And then some people can never pass the HHT but get good shaves. .

Justin

Oh yea, past shave test ready. If it doesn't pass the shave test its probably because the edge lacks smoothing.

Let us know how it goes.

I have a few razors you can start honing for me btw. ...

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

Seriuosly, I don't know how much more you can aim for --.
Justin

Keep sharpening Steve, soon the edge will cut light into a rainbow, much like a prism...lol

Originally Posted by custommartini

Keep sharpening Steve, soon the edge will cut light into a rainbow, much like a prism...lol

Light into a rainbow?? - talk about amateur hour! I recently picked up a scanning tunneling microscope on the cheap. If I can't see my edge take slices off an electron, no way is that razor touching my face...

James.

Originally Posted by custommartini

Keep sharpening Steve, soon the edge will cut light into a rainbow, much like a prism...lol

right, I'll take a picture and it can be the cover of a Pink Floyd CD

I usually don't bother with all those danged tests. I shave my arm hairs and depending on the ease with which it shaves them I can tell if its time to try the razor on my face. I've never been wrong yet.