Thread: The limits of the hanging hair test

I agree, I think that the micro serrations would do a better job of grabbing the hair, but then wouldn't you get more of a popping of the hair then a truly clean slice through it?

Matt

Matt,

Yeah, sorry I didn't explain myself very well. I meant that it's probably easier to cut a hair using the HHT at lower grits, and you'll get a popping-type cut. To use the HHT at higher grits I've heard people say a smooth slice is what to go for (gettin' in there between the atoms... ).

Again, I don't know if this right or not.

James.

I think this is a good point about not whether the blade can pass the HHT because substandard shavers can still do it, but HOW it passes; what action does the hair make, what sound, etc.

X

I always was of the mind that the HHT should always be passed with a popping sensation. But personally I never use that test so what do I know? But it impresses others when you do. Like the show at the japanese restaurant.

In my limited experience it depends on the hair. My wife has hair that is absolutely impervious to the HHT. It is so fine that it glides right over the blade no matter how sharp. That may explain why some people get good shaves from blades that wont even pass the HHT. The difference is in the hair!

Originally Posted by alexaggie

In my limited experience it depends on the hair. My wife has hair that is absolutely impervious to the HHT. It is so fine that it glides right over the blade no matter how sharp. That may explain why some people get good shaves from blades that wont even pass the HHT. The difference is in the hair!

Absolutely true! My own hair is too thin, and most of my wife's as well. If I take a hairbrush I really need to pick the thickest hairs for the HHT. My razors will not cut the thinner ones no matter how sharp.

I also have thin hair as does my wife and daughters! My son is the only one with thick hair, but he keeps it very short.

Never the less, for me the HHT is a marker of when my razor is shave ready. If I get a razor to pass the HHT effortlessly all along the length of the edge with one of my ladys' hairs, I know I will get a very comfortable shave from the razor. The quality of passing the HHT is important and I'm very happy to finally have a decent marker aside from shaving.