Thread: should you wait until the next shave before honing some more

Originally Posted by gfro

I would think that the shave test is the ultimate test and everyone says less is more so what are everyones thoughts about shaving and then going back to honing some more. If so, then how would you judge whether to try a few strokes on 12k or 1 stroke on 4k, 4-6 on 8k and then 4-6 on 12k, fabric and then leather.

It's perfectly fine to hit the stones after a shave test shows you that it's not quite dialed in. However, you shouldn't need to do a ton of work to an edge once you think it is shave ready, so this visit back to the hones would probably not go past about a 4k. All of the other gauges like TPT, TNT, shaving body hair, etc. will let you know if an edge is in the ballpark of shave readiness.

I don't know about all the details I just keep it simple. When an edge pops arm hair near the tops it's ready. I can fuss and muss more but it's diminishing returns from this point. Strop it on linen then leather and ahhh the benefits of honing your own razors.....PRICELESS!