Thread: is my razor still sharp?

Originally Posted by anjp

Many fellow shavers have said the HHT is a good measure to test sharpness...

I am curious where you have seen this... the HHT is by no means a good measure, nor is it recommended by anyone of good repute that I know of.

I'm 90% confident that it's my technique.....but there's 10% of me that worries I may have dulled the razor.

It may well be both- beginning technique is often very hard on the edge of a razor- bad angles, poor stropping, etc. I think that it is worth either picking up a second razor or sending this one out to be re-honed so that you know. In my own experience, my edges only lasted 1-2 months the first time I had them honed.

Send back to me i will check it out and if it is not will make shave ready ship back to you.
send pm i let you know my mailing address

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

I am curious where you have seen this... the HHT is by no means a good measure, nor is it recommended by anyone of good repute that I know of.

It may well be both- beginning technique is often very hard on the edge of a razor- bad angles, poor stropping, etc. I think that it is worth either picking up a second razor or sending this one out to be re-honed so that you know. In my own experience, my edges only lasted 1-2 months the first time I had them honed.

I agree with Ben here: The HHT you did doesn't tell you anything. I also think that it's a possibility that the razor may need at least a touch up considering you're a newbie and it has been a month or so.

I'd forgo all of the "tests" and just stick with the shave test. All of the more experienced fellas keep hammering this point. (And Glen mentioned it in this month's Beginner Post!!) It's the only test that matters. Basically, with correct beard prep and technique try shaving down your sideburn to your jawline. If it tugs or doesn't shave the hairs well, you should be able to tell right away.

Your options are to send it out for a touch up or get yourself some CrOx paste for the back of your strop. The Filly strop comes with it if you have that, and I think you can get little packets in the classifieds or most straight razor vendors online (Straight Razor Designs comes to mind).

In the meantime, do yourself a favor and quit trying to test the edge. It'll just make you pull your hair out. Literally.

I agree wholeheartedly with Paul. Forget the HHT. The only real test of a straight razor's sharpness is the shave it delivers to your face.