Thread: Is This Over Honing

I was just thinking that with all the modern technology now available to us that our forefathers didn't have I sometimes feel we have created a world of overworry exemplified by concern over what might be micro chips on an razor's edge. Magnify anything and even the straightest of lines and smoothest of surfaces start looking like the craters of the moon. I feel we worry too much about what didn't seem to concern our parent's and their parent's. I don't recall reading anything about old time shavers getting very concerned about an edge's condition other than saying, simply, if it isn't shaving, hone or refresh it.

I'm no expert, by a long, long, country mile when it comes to honing and refreshing an edge. I don't find the HHT or similar to be indicative of anything other than it cuts, or doesn't cut hair. Magnifications upward of 100 that a few feel is necessary for edge achievement leave me concerned for their mental health. I follow a basic honing pattern, judge at the end of the routine via a, again different that norm, dry thumbnail test. If I'm satisfied by what I've come to identify as a decent edge I go to crox, linen leather and then shave as the final test. If the thumbnail doesn't feel right I'll go back to the stones and repeat until it does. Primitive, I'm sure, in the eyes of many, but it sure works for me and my face.