Years ago I was telling my then wife something about Buddhism, and she said I was wrong. We were at my inlaws and they had a set of encyclopedias. So I looked up Buddhism and showed my wife that the encyclopedia agreed with my contention. She told me she didn't care what the encyclopedia said, they were wrong. I knew then I was going to have problems. She didn't disappoint me.

Why I like collecting razors so much better than knives. I used to collect Case pocket knives from the tested, XX and USA eras. (1920-1969) If I got one that was used carrying it wasn't an issue, but having gotten some NOS and subsequently sharpening, carrying and using them, I not only decreased the value by half, but eventually they just didn't look as nice. So to a large extent I became sort of a curator of old NOS knives. Like going to a bakery and looking through the window, but never tasting anything.

Razors OTOH, by their nature can be honed and used remaining beautiful. So I get the best of both worlds. I possess them, admire them, use them. Honing a razor with the intention of getting it to optimum performance is rewarding if you can shave with it and see whether you've achieved your goal. Thumbnail tests, thumbpad or hanging hair are only gauges of sharpness. Actually coming down that jawline, the knob of the chin, are the only way to really know if you're 'there.' IMHO.