Thread: Razor passes HHT before shave but not after.

If the edge seems to be breaking down after one pass, the razor may be a candidate for a layer or two of tape. Try that and see if that solves the issue.

I agree with gadavier. It could be bad steel or temper; however, it could just need tape. I was surprised a while back when I couldnt get a razor to take and hold an edge. I was using a single layer of tape and the edge would dull out after a single shave. While talking to someone they mentioned to add an extra layer of tape and try. I did but had the same results. I had pretty much wrote off the razor as garbage. One day while honing one of my other razors, I noticed this razor sitting there where it had for a few months with two layers of tape on it. I figured what the heck and added a third layer of tape, hit the 1000 grit and ran it to all the way to 12000...and wow. now it is a great shaver. The only thing I can think is that the angle was so thin that it would chip or bend the edge before, but the added angle must have done the trick.

Originally Posted by gadavier

If the edge seems to be breaking down after one pass, the razor may be a candidate for a layer or two of tape. Try that and see if that solves the issue.

I'll give that a try although I've never had to use 2 layers on a hollow ground razor just on wedges, I ordered a 30x loupe so I'll wait for that to arrive and check the edge first like Euclid440 said.

If the edge is breaking down, it usually is, the bevel was not “Completely” set, too much pressure or defect in the steel caused by Cell rot, aggressive low grit honing or too thin a grind angle.

Since you have shaved with the razor, I would suspect, the edge got wiped and was not completely re-set. When you hair tested, it cut hair on a part that was set, giving a false positive test.

Most problems of sharpness are probably due to the bevel set.

Develop an absolutely positive bevel set test technique, looking at the bevel straight down on the bevel with magnification is the quickest, complete test of the whole edge.

I have wiry beard and most razors of mine don't pass the HHT after shaving, unless I accurately strop them.
After seven years I assume that you manage correctly the whole honing process. Then I can think of 2 possibilities:
If those two razors are new entries and you never used before then you have probably met two blades with some softer steel.
If those are old blades that you had already used in the past and the behavior has changed, well be aware that your beard thickness and hardness are increasing with your age and are going to decrease in your latest years after 60-70, it's a natural evolution.