Thread: What makes a razor pass the HHT?

The razor I have used to be able to pass the HHT just fine. After awhile the hair would not be cut immediately and I would have to move it back and forth along the blade to get it to cut.

Now, no matter what I do, my hair won't get cut. I only have a barber's hone, and a piece of balsa with Crox to sharpen my razor. The shaves so far are alright, but I feel like I'm not getting the most out of my razor.

I know I'll probably get a lot of responses telling my to ignore the HHT completely, but I can't help but feel like my razor just isn't as sharp as it once was.

My questions is, how can I get my razor back to HHT standards? Do I need to get some more hones?

It isn't as sharp as it once was...

To get it back it needs to get sharper again, that is done a few ways which you already metioned...

Strop
Pasted strop
Hones

In that order of need, if a leather /linen strop won't do it, then try a pasted strop, if that won't, then try a hone...

I've never had a razor pass the HHT. Not even razors honed by professionals, I dunno if it's just my hair or what. I wouldn't rely so much on a single test for sharpness. If it shaves fine, that's all the matters.

I've given it at least 20 laps on the barber's hone. I hope I haven't dulled it too much

Could I just keep working with the barber hone or do I need send it out to be rehoned?

Originally Posted by gull

I've given it at least 20 laps on the barber's hone. I hope I haven't dulled it too much

Could I just keep working with the barber hone or do I need send it out to be rehoned?

There is no way for me to honestly answer that, I can tell you that most Barber's hones are designed for only 5-10 laps at the most...
I you are using it with water or dry I would try soapy lather for 7 laps and see if that helps...

Glenn, I added a few extra passes today with lather and noticed no difference in the shave. I can't help but wonder if I should blame the hone or my honing.

The hone I'm using is called "Amalgamate" made in Boston. As you familiar with it?

I have not had one of those yet, hopefully Ron or Sham will read this, those two guys collect Barber's hones...
If the hone is a fine grit and obviously a Barber's hone then it is most likely your honing, the only problem that could be with the hone is if it is a knife grit and not a razor grit... That is doubtful...