After dulling the razor on a glass, I can hone it on the DMT 1200 to the point that it can shave arm hairs fairly well, but no matter what I try, I just can't seem to get the hanging hair test to work. On at least two of Bart's articles in the wiki, he says that coming off the 1200, the razor should be able to perform the HHT by dragging the wetted hair slightly across the edge. He even goes on to say that a perfect bevel will be capable of the HHT without dragging.

My first question is how does one go about achieving such a perfect bevel? I'm basically just using the weight of the razor on my strokes now. Is it possible to have a stroke that's even lighter than the weight of the razor?

Second, is the HHT off the 1200 something that only a handful of elite honers like Bart can achieve, or is it something that most honers can achieve after a little more experience?

I know that some will be quick to mention that the HHT isn't an obligatory prerequisite to achieving a useful edge, but I'm asking these questions more for learning and curiosity. Oh, and Bart is my hero. When I grow up, I want to be just like him.

But seriously though, the razor he sent me is so incredibly smooth, sharp, and durable, that I think any amount of time and effort spent in trying to recreate it will be a worthwhile investment.