Sharpness Test

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08-29-2014, 08:05 PM
ssg1

Sharpness Test

Hi guys,

I’m writing in order to share my good news with you.

I had been using the TNT. I was very wrong about the quality of this test. I'd been shaving with razors not really sharp. My shaves were not comfortable and I used to think that I had brought my edges to the best possible keenness.

I only use the TNT in order to see if the bevel is set now.

My honing progression is as follows:

Norton 1k (if bevel setting is needed) => Norton 4k => Norton 8k => Coticule with water only => Chromium oxide on hanging strop (only when I'm done with the stones for some extra sharpness and smoothness).

I use the AHT as a rough guide. I use the shave test two or three times before I'm sure I have put a sharp,smooth edge on my razor.

I know that guys develop a feel of when to move to the next stone and/or when the razor is getting sharp with time.

I used to think that it's very difficult to acquire that skill but I've started to slightly develop that feel myself.

I have a long way to go but I have improved.

I still like the traditional TPT for stropping.

Now my SRS sessions are pleasurable.

Happy shaves to all!!
08-29-2014, 08:54 PM
RoyalCake

Hey ssg-

It may just be because I came from a "drinking lunch" at work, but I'm not sure I got what are you using at bevel set and finish - TNT and AHT?
The title of the thread got me intrigued...
08-29-2014, 09:02 PM
ssg1

Hi, I use the TNT just in order to see when the bevel is set. For all the other steps of honing I use the AHT.
08-29-2014, 09:12 PM
RoyalCake

The HHT is a good "no-go" gauge for me. If it passes, it's a good sign but it won't necessarily give a good shave, but if it doesn't pass, I've learned not to even go to the shave test. Happy honing!
08-29-2014, 09:30 PM
MajorEthanolic

@RoyalCake... same here. TNT, AHT???? Help us newbies out. HHT I'm guessing is hanging hair test, but don't know the others.
08-29-2014, 09:33 PM
RoyalCake

Quote:

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

@RoyalCake... same here. TNT, AHT???? Help us newbies out. HHT I'm guessing is hanging hair test, but don't know the others.

TNT=Thumbnail test, usually used at bevel setting. A nice drag is a good indicator. AHT=Arm hair test, where I believe it's typically used also around bevel set or higher, where the razor will cut hair on your arm. HHT=hanging hair test, in which you use at high levels of finish, where the razor can cut hair high above the base.
All these are varying tests in honing that may or may not work for the individual. But when calibrated to your own technique, they can be useful tools. I was just unclear as to how the OP was using them - always nice to hear other people's approach...

Shane
08-29-2014, 09:50 PM
Substance

When it can tree top hairs on my leg (this is my HHT) then I go to the strop to finish it off
08-30-2014, 02:10 AM
Chugach68

I use the stc test....if I wave it through the air and it opens a rift in the space time continuum then It gives me a somewhat close shave.. :rock:
08-30-2014, 10:05 AM
Neil Miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by Substance

When it can tree top hairs on my leg (this is my HHT) then I go to the strop to finish it off

You have to be careful with this one and not get distracted. I hear ww2 english air-ace Douglas Bader tried it a couple of times with dire consequences...
08-30-2014, 10:13 AM
Maladroit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

You have to be careful with this one and not get distracted. I hear ww2 english air-ace Douglas Bader tried it a couple of times with dire consequences...

You've also got to live at Gladstone - or somewhere further north - where you can wear shorts all year round.
Note to our American friends: "shorts" are not underpants ;)
08-30-2014, 10:26 AM
Substance

Yeh gotta be careful not to cut to short or it looks a bit weird with little bald patches on my legs, and hair patches on my arms LOL
08-30-2014, 05:22 PM
Neil Miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by Substance

Yeh gotta be careful not to cut to short or it looks a bit weird with little bald patches on my legs, and hair patches on my arms LOL

...still got hair, huh?!
08-30-2014, 09:10 PM
onimaru55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

You have to be careful with this one and not get distracted. I hear ww2 english air-ace Douglas Bader tried it a couple of times with dire consequences...

In a DeLorean ?

Great Scott !!!
08-31-2014, 02:28 AM
Substance

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

...still got hair, huh?!

At the moment but got a few to hone soon, so will be back to clean arms again I think
08-31-2014, 08:25 AM
Neil Miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by onimaru55

In a DeLorean ?

Great Scott !!!

Aaah, that would be dear old captain Robert Falcon Scott. A rebellious and lawless soul, he was known as Scott the Anarchic to his friends. The ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to find the northenmost polish person resulted in doom when the hapless captain turned right at the Isle of Wight instead of left, thus missing Poland altogether.

One would hope that lessons could be learned from the past, but if you tell the young people of today how Scott couldn't tell one end of a compass from the other or how Douglas Bader chopped his own legs off, they won't believe you...

Now pour me another glass of that Chateau de Chasselas if you please, Obadiah...
08-31-2014, 12:39 PM
Johnus

Only test I use is "actually shaving with the razor". The last time I tried a Test was the holding a hair, from my shaving brush, between my thumb and index fingers, in front of a bathroom mirror. You got it! Looking at the mirror and not the actual hair there was just enough refraction that I almost took the top of by finger off![emoji33]. Not good, never tried any 'test' again.
08-31-2014, 01:05 PM
feltspanky

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

The HHT is a good "no-go" gauge for me. If it passes, it's a good sign but it won't necessarily give a good shave, but if it doesn't pass, I've learned not to even go to the shave test. Happy honing!

Same here. After using all the easy access hair on my arms and legs for testing, I've discovered chest hair is far superior.
08-31-2014, 02:31 PM
taz575

I was hoping there would be a new test to use. I can occasionally pop arm hair with tree topping it, but haven't had a chance to touch a SR in over a month now :( Got a new Norton 4K/8K, too, but haven't taken it out of the box yet!
09-01-2014, 01:25 AM
onimaru55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Now pour me another glass of that Chateau de Chasselas if you please, Obadiah...

Nothing like a good glass of Château de Chasselas, eh, Josiah? ;)
09-01-2014, 01:41 AM
Siguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maladroit

Note to our American friends: "shorts" are not underpants ;)

Note to our French brethren: "underpants" are not banana socks.

Note on behalf of my Scottish brethren: Kilts are definitely not skirts!
09-01-2014, 12:02 PM
Neil Miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siguy

Note on behalf of my Scottish brethren: Kilts are definitely not skirts!

Och - have ye no heerd tell o' the the Gay Gordons...?
09-01-2014, 10:56 PM
Siguy

rotfl!!

Speak o’ the Devil! Keep the heid, Neil!