Thread: Dulling of the blade

Hello Guys,

So I'm a newbie, been shaving with a straight for about 3-4 months now. And lately I have noticed that I have been dulling the blade.

What makes me think that is that it no longer cuts my girlfriend's hair when i hold it in the air whereas before it used to be able to do that.

Is that an indication of a dullness? I think it might be thugging but i'm not sure I would know to spot that feeling.

If so, is there something I can do to strop it better maybe on the canvas side, or does it certainly need to be rehoned?

Thanks!

-schone

Hi, schone,

This a normal process. A razor's edge deteriorates over time, and 3-4 months is pretty good already. You may find the following links useful, as they detail methods to bring the edge back to full sharpness. Also, you may want to read the ones about sharpness tests. The Hanging Hair Test is considered black magic, or simply superfluous, by some.

• What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki
• Finishing Pastes - Straight Razor Place Wiki
• Sharpness tests explained - Straight Razor Place Wiki
• Hanging Hair Test, from trick to probing method - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck,
Robin

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

The Hanging Hair Test is considered black magic, or simply superfluous, by some.

While it is true that the HHT isn't necessarily an accurate reflection of a razor's shave readiness the GHHT (girlfriend's hanging hair test) is recognized as being far superior.

The "Dog's hanging hair test" works pretty well too, for you single folks.

Is the Kitayama a good stone to do this touch up honing ? Or is that too much of a full blown honing stone?

Does the Kitayama stone require lapping?

What kind of "barber hone" stones would you recommend? As I understand those are a dime a dozen....