Thread: First straight razor came in today!!

I have received my first razor today and my new strop!!!

I purchased the razor from the classifieds and it is in good condition as promised. I was just wondering if it needs to pass a hanging hair test to be shave ready. Also, what should a sharp blade feel like on the thumb pad test? I am going to try to shave with it tomorrow just on the cheeks if possible.

The blade currently will cut a hair if held by both hands, but not with just one. I am no expert obviously I just would be really bummed because I ordered this razor because of the fact it was shave ready already. So please tell me if passing the HHT matters or is a shave the only true test?

A dull hatchet will "cut" a hair if it's held by both ends. HHT is done holding just one end--thus the term "hanging."
Shaving is the true test.
Use a very light touch and be careful. Make sure you have a recent photo so the surgeon will have something to use as a reference!

Originally Posted by Utopian

Make sure you have a recent photo so the surgeon will have something to use as a reference!

I wish I could laugh at that!!

I just posted this in another thread but I will re-write it here too, use a Razor Blade like a DE or a safety razor to get a feel for all the tests TNT TPT HHT, that way you can learn them, without messing up a shave ready razor....

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I just posted this in another thread but I will re-write it here too, use a Razor Blade like a DE or a safety razor to get a feel for all the tests TNT TPT HHT, that way you can learn them, without messing up a shave ready razor....

Glen,

How about putting this tip in a sticky or better yet in the Wiki?

I think the best way to see what sharp feels like is to use a DE blade as I think it's thickness best simulates a straight...a single edge safety blade is a little thicker and doesn't give the same feel.

Well, you've got to trust that the person who called it shave ready knows what they're doing. It doesn't need to pass the hanging hair test.
Follow Glen's advice above, but if I were you I wouldn't worry excessively.
Follow the advice on shaving - angle, pressure, start only with just under your sideburns and may be cheeks and gradually expand over the next weeks and months.
Of course make sure you spend enough time in prep.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

good advise from gugi.
the hanging hair test is only an indicator. try shaving... it is the ultimate test. if the razor pulls, it is not sharp enough.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I just posted this in another thread but I will re-write it here too, use a Razor Blade like a DE or a safety razor to get a feel for all the tests TNT TPT HHT, that way you can learn them, without messing up a shave ready razor....

Excellent advice, Glen. I agree on putting this in the Wiki! That's actually how I got a really good feel for "sticky", doing the TPT on a new DE blade.

Chris L

OK OK I'll do some pics and do the illustrated guide this weekend hehehe

Thanks everyone for the advice! I am going to take my time and give the razor a thorough stropping and shave with it tonight.

I have a sampler of DE blades so I can easily get a DE blade and feel what all the tests should feel like.