I'm new to this site, but have been sr shaving for several years. My test for shave ready sharp, while many would consider a little brutal, is to test it on my lower neck without ANY lather or water - completely dry. The point being, a really sharp blade will shave you dry, and lather is probably the least of your issues. No substitute for practice and once you have it down, you'll never go back. To me its a Zen thing.