Thread: How do I know it's sharp?

Yep, the best test is the shave test. Once you start getting into the other tests you are in for a world of confusion because the tests are so subjective and are actually only any use if you know what you are looking for..!

Watch the videos in the vids section, read as much as you can from the Wiki and other threads and have a go at the shave. Do be prepared to put in some time learning how to shave though. As others have said, sometimes newbies get a poor shave due to an unrefined technique and can blame it on the razor, even though the razor is fine!

It may be worth sending the razor to a pro, just so you KNOW that the edge is good. Then if the shave isnt up to snuff you know to put more practice in, not hone the razor.

Good luck!

If the razor is truly shave ready, and if you do not know how to strop, I would just shave with it and see how it does. It is very easy to roll the edge of a shave ready razor on the strop, if you have not learned the correct technique.

Originally Posted by DavidMGunther

I've just begun the world of straight shaving. I want to know how I know the blade is sharp after I strop.

There has to be some kind of test other than touching it. Any tips will help. Thanks in advance!

Because the edge was sharp before you stropped the razor, the strop simply refines the edge right before the shave, it gives it the final tweak and cleans off any micro-abrasion...

Only a shave ready edge goes to a strop...


Here is a quick little thread I just wrote yesterday it might answer some questions for you...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post528918

Also make sure to visit the Stickies at the top of this forum and the Wiki for more extensive Info..

There are some tests, but they are kind of tricky... it's like you have to know what you are looking for in order to tell if you have passed a test.

The most foolproof test is to have a shave with the razor, but even then we constantly hear about people who use razors for their first shave that are known to be sharp (professionally honed by an actual razor user) and because of poor technique, they think the razor isn't sharp yet.

The best advice i got when I started shaving with a straight was to send my first (and second) razor to be honed by one of the pros (click this link) and then use it without stropping the first time...

Then repeat until technique improves and you get a good shave. By then you'll know what it feels like, and any razor that doesn't feel as smooth or comfortable isn't shave ready. I'd recommend having them honed by a pro regardless, just so you can take any guesswork out of the equation.

I hope this helps
Dave