So, asking a rhetorical question, how can I know when my sharpened razor is actually shave ready? In the few months I've been shaving with straights, the lack of a quantitative test or tests by which I can KNOW my blades are ready has proven frustrating.

Recently, I purchased a shave ready razor from Lynn, and now can compare my edges to a standard if you will. This has given my valuable feedback. And, I think I have a quantitative set of tests... pass them, and your blade is shave ready.

Test #1... Hanging Hair Test

Does your blade consistently and easily pass the hanging hair test up and down the blade?

Test #2... Blade Evenness

When the blade is looked at from the side with a microscope, ($12 at Radio Shack), is the edge even and free from burrs and knicks?

Test #3... Blade Smoothness

Are the two honed and polished sides of the blade immediately next to the edge smooth and free of striations?


So, is it reasonable to say that...

* pass the hanging hair test, and
* with an edge that is even with no defects, and
* with the honed and polished sides of the blade being
smooth and free of scratches and striations

you have a shave ready razor?