question of the HH test.

**mainaman** · 12-14-2013, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by ocelot27

I agree that the HHT does not surpass the shave test but it does tell a lot about sharpness once you know how to interpret the results. And in "most" cases if the razor is sharp it will shave well.

-john

If you learn how to use a scope or a loupe you will not need HHT to know if the edge is going to be good or not. HHT has to be calibrated to hair type, optics does not not.

**Lynn** · 12-14-2013, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by mainaman

If you learn how to use a scope or a loupe you will not need HHT to know if the edge is going to be good or not. HHT has to be calibrated to hair type, optics does not not.

This actually is a very good point. Guess I'm on a kick lately with incomplete bevels, but if one side of the bevel is incomplete and you finish your honing regiment, you can pass an HHT and not get a comfy shave. The microscope or loupe really helps prevent this.

Have fun.

**JeffR** · 12-14-2013, 04:12 PM

The thumb-pad test can tell you a lot about the quality of an edge, too.

**ocelot27** · 12-14-2013, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by mainaman

If you learn how to use a scope or a loupe you will not need HHT to know if the edge is going to be good or not. HHT has to be calibrated to hair type, optics does not not.

I use a microscope to look at my edges but unless you have an SEM you can't really tell how sharp an edge is. I always use magnification to check the length of my edge on both sides at the bevel setting stage. Unfortunately, other than the shave test the HHT is all we have. Once you learn how to "calibrate" it for your hair I think it can be quite usefull - just my opinion!

John

**mainaman** · 12-14-2013, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by ocelot27

I use a microscope to look at my edges but unless you have an SEM you can't really tell how sharp an edge is. I always use magnification to check the length of my edge on both sides at the bevel setting stage. Unfortunately, other than the shave test the HHT is all we have. Once you learn how to "calibrate" it for your hair I think it can be quite usefull - just my opinion!

John

What is SEM?

and why would you need one to be able to tell if the razor is shave ready or you need to hone it more?
You do not need to see the edge to know when you are ready to move to the next grit. All it takes is to hone a decent amount of razors and observe scratch patterns and color characteristics of the bevels and close to the edge. With time one can develop a correlation of what the bevel looks like and how the shave will feel.

**onimaru55** · 12-14-2013, 08:21 PM

I tend to rely heavily on visual cues but ideally you could use multiple tests to confirm the edge.
Just like the stock market using multiple indicators make for a safer trade than just one.

**Jimbo** · 12-14-2013, 08:53 PM

I've been teaching all my razors to sing "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer when they are shave ready. Makes honing far more interesting. The biggest problem is that razors have a terrible memory for a tune, so it's a bit off-key sometimes.

MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This - YouTube

**edhewitt** · 12-14-2013, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by onimaru55

For us baldy's you soon realise arm hair is a finite source so you start using your arm hair for the HHT instead of deforesting your arms .

Last I heard you were shaving shaving brushes and carpets oz.

**edhewitt** · 12-14-2013, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I've been teaching all my razors to sing "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer when they are shave ready. Makes honing far more interesting. The biggest problem is that razors have a terrible memory for a tune, so it's a bit off-key sometimes.

MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This - YouTube

James.

**Laurens** · 12-14-2013, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by mainaman

What is SEM? ...

Scanning electron microscope, which IIRC gives you a resolution down to single molecules. A razor edge viewed with an SEM looks round and harmless, that's how much zoom you get

I use optics, feel of the razor on the hone (mainly to see if the bevel is even along the entire length) and TPT. I only use the HHT, with my girlfriend's hair, after stropping to test if the edge is even along the length and as sharp as my other razors. I cannot (yet) distinguish between shave sharp and nearly shave sharp with anything other that HHT and shave test.

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