Thread: Scratches left after final polishing

I'm probably in the minority here on this, but I don't much believe in looking through loupes and examining scratch marks. Initially I did it, but then decided it wasn't helping me much. It told me that my edge wasn't good but it couldn't improve my technique which is the only thing that will improve edges. Spending time constantly examining scratch patterns can actually be a distraction. Now I tend more towards simply relaxing and refining my technique and not worrying about anything else. That keeps me focused on little details of angle and pressure which is the foundation of good technique.

When I finish honing a razor, I pull a few hairs off my hair brush and see if the razor will pop them off cleanly and regularly. If one hair doesn't work, select a 2nd and 3rd hair. If none of them are cut cleanly, then it is back to honing with even more concentration on proper honing technique. Pretty simple really, but it always works for me and my technique just keeps getting better and better with practice. I've been working at my razor honing for lots of years now, and the more concentrated time I spend with my hone, the better my honing becomes.