Thread: HHT and the 8k

I use the HHT test on all my razors during the honing process. I use Naniwa super stones and with my hair it pops after the 10k. However the main reason i use this test is to se if the edge has the same level of sharpness from toe to heel. For this the HHT is a very useful.

Originally Posted by rodb

I could get a decent HHT after an 8K with a real good stropping, even better when I got a CrOx pasted paddle. Smoothness and shave quality are actually more important than the HHT. The HHT is just one of several ways to judge an edge

Excellent, that confirms what i've experienced. I know smoothness and shave quality. I haven't taken it to a finisher yet because I need to access my skills on the 8k before moving to the finisher. I use it for education purposes not for shave quality purposes! Thanks Rob.

Originally Posted by JackeHj

I use the HHT test on all my razors during the honing process... ...i use this test is to se if the edge has the same level of sharpness from toe to heel. For this the HHT is a very useful.

Does magnification not tell you the same thing without murdering innocent Finnish hairs?

Originally Posted by Lynn

How does it shave???

Well I've got to say I am surprised! I did not think a comfortable close shave would be obtainable without the use of paste or a finisher after an 8k synthetic. I am humbled and happy as this is the first time i've successfully honed my own blade. After many trial and errors I have succeeded and to top that it's girlfriend approved. She noticed it was smoother than the other ones i've honed. I think since i've got a Coticule and Chrox I will finish on one of them. I am not sure which one to finish on.... Any suggestions?

I also have to put it out there that if I did not already own the Coticule and Chrox and didn't plan on getting a finishing stone or any pastes I would be more then happy and content with the edge achieved off an 8k. I now know why everyone says you should be able to achieve a close comfortable shave off an 8k and then move to finishers! ITS TRUE !! Truly a humbling experience! Thought I would share!

Sweet. Success! Now to repeat it.

Yes, an 8k edge is perfectly fine edge, when prepared properly. Most popular Natural stones are not even 8k and yet, have given legendary shaves for years.

If you look at the edge from the side you can see just how straight the 8k synthetic stone will make an edge after a 4k. Spend a little more time with very light finishing strokes on the 8K for a smooth, straight edge, then strop on linen and leather. Good, razor quality Chrome Oxide can smooth an edge even further.

Coticules are a whole other can of fish, and some stones are finer than others, add slurry, the learning curve, and your mileage may vary greatly and still not be smoother than a good synthetic edge.

Worst case, you have a solid synthetic 8K edge to fall back on. It is the best way to experiment, first learn the bullet proof synthetic progression… then play with the Naturals.

Much better than burning the ships and beating you head against the wall.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Yes, an 8k edge is perfectly fine edge, when prepared properly. Most popular Natural stones are not even 8k and yet, have given legendary shaves for years.

If you look at the edge from the side you can see just how straight the 8k synthetic stone will make an edge after a 4k. Spend a little more time with very light finishing strokes on the 8K for a smooth, straight edge, then strop on linen and leather. Good, razor quality Chrome Oxide can smooth an edge even further.

Coticules are a whole other can of fish, and some stones are finer than others, add slurry, the learning curve, and your mileage may vary greatly and still not be smoother than a good synthetic edge.

Worst case, you have a solid synthetic 8K edge to fall back on. It is the best way to experiment, first learn the bullet proof synthetic progression… then play with the Naturals.

Much better than burning the ships and beating you head against the wall.

You're absolutely right! Having trouble with my Coticule was the reason I opted for a 3/8k synthetic. I am going to master the coticule mind you. It just so happens that I was beginning to feel like I couldn't get a shaveable edge no matter what I did. Now I know I can get a shave ready edge the possibilities are endless.

And now, finally, you will be able to begin to calibrate the HHT for YOU some how, some way.

I never can get the HHT to work until after stropping, and only then it only works for me with chest hair. I just reach in and grab a loose hair. I know it sounds weird but my arm and head hair is too fine to work.

The whole point of the HHT is confusing for beginners because they think all hairs should just silently fall away if the honing was done right. It just causes trouble and confusion when anyone other than the honer uses the HHT.

The shave is all that matters.

If you paid the honer to hone your razor, trust him enough to test the razor by SHAVING with the razor.

Never could get an HHT to work so I just hone and shave. Less confusing for my simple mind.

Bob

Originally Posted by Utopian

And now, finally, you will be able to begin to calibrate the HHT for YOU some how, some way.

I never can get the HHT to work until after stropping, and only then it only works for me with chest hair. I just reach in and grab a loose hair. I know it sounds weird but my arm and head hair is too fine to work.

The whole point of the HHT is confusing for beginners because they think all hairs should just silently fall away if the honing was done right. It just causes trouble and confusion when anyone other than the honer uses the HHT.

The shave is all that matters.

If you paid the honer to hone your razor, trust him enough to test the razor by SHAVING with the razor.

Not weird at all I do the same thing, I find my girlfriends hair is to fine for the HHT and my head hair is too short.


"Never could get an HHT to work so I just hone and shave. Less confusing for my simple mind.

Bob"

Simple and sweet. YMMV