Thread: razor sharpness test

I would like to add my two bits to the wiki blurb's section on the hanging hair test (HHT.) Even if the razor doesn't cut the hair, the HHT still can give good feedback on your edge. When performing the HHT, drag the hair over the blade edge and watch the tip of the hair. When a razor is dull, the end makes little motion. As the edge becomes thinner and thinner, the end of the hair vibrates more. Finally, it will become sharp enough to cut the hair.

But, again, the vibration before it starts to cut is related to the sharpness of the blade, and can give you good feedback.

And, remember, with the HHT everything anyone says might or might not apply to your hair and technique. However, the above should apply in most instances.

One more point about the HHT that I don't remember being mentioned: hold the hair at a 90 degree angle to the blade. I think this is assumed. But, a small amount of deviance can increase the cutting efficiency of the blade, giving a false positive.

To be more specific, when held at 90 degrees, the blade might cut hair with a slight pull. When held at 75 or 80 degrees, the hair might pop in two easily. This would indicate that the blade is sharper than it really is.

90 degrees. Always...

I use tpt at bevel stages somtimes tnt. Once my thumb grips the whole edge i move on and refine and polish. then i will strop try hht and then shave.straight of the hone. I will add paste if i need more keeness or go back and hone .