Quote:
//The Progressive Procedure
1. Set the edge on a flat hone. Establish the bevels using 1k to 4k grit, or use your grit of choice. Use the marker and TNT until the edge passes both. Do 3 or more additional very light laps to refine the primary edge bevels.
Now is also the time to check to make sure that all of your blade is reaching the hone. Use a permanent marker to paint the edge of the razor before honing. After 5-10 laps you will be able to see any warping or high spots, and adjust your technique accordingly. You can reapply the ink as often as needed throughout the honing process.
Except for testing; there is no point in polishing a razor's edge with finer hones until after the edge's bevels are set (i.e. you can pass the marker and TNT simultaneously).
Once you set the edge (primary bevels) it will never be necessary to do it again unless you damage the edge (chip it, roll it badly, etc...).
2. Polish on the next finer hone or paste of choice. Begin each finer honing step/grit by using the TPT and/or hair tests to establish your starting level of sharpness. Test using the TPT and/or hair tests every 3 to 20 laps, depending on the hone media used. Repeat the "laps and test" cycle until satisfied with the results (i.e. you notice a nice change).
If you try to get a "100% finish" from each hone, you will likely get "100% plus". A finish over 100% is also called a wire edge. Train yourself to settle for something under 100% and wire edges will be avoided.
3. Repeat step 2 or strop and shave.
That's all there is to it. The following text elaborates on the above.
//Required
1. A knowledge of how to do the HHT(and "mow hair" variation), TNT, marker test, and TPT.
TNT: Use a damp thumbnail. A dull edge will pull smoothly and freely over the nail. A sharp edge with well set bevels will dig in and/or drag across the nail with a smooth, even sensation. Practice with a DE blade (e.g. by using electrical tape to tape the DE to your razor's blade). This test is most useful while setting the primary edge/bevels. Try not to use the TNT on any edge over 4k.
TPT: Use the slightly dampened ball of the thumb or finger. Move it lightly along the edge (not across). If sharp, the edge will have a "drawing" or "sticking" feeling. Practice with a DE blade. This test, with a little practice, can be useful at all stages of honing and stropping.
HHT: Hold the razor still and bring a hair to the edge. The hair may fall or pop from the edge depending on sharpness and your hair's characteristics. The "mow hair" variation is done by moving the razor above your skin through some hair. Some razors will shave well even without passing the HHT tests. Especially so if the hair used is very fine/thin. You can also use a DE blade here to see/test how your own hair responds to a sharp edge.
Marker test: Use a marker to color the edge on both sides. After 5 to 10 laps, examine the edge to see where the razor is contacting the hone. This test is useful to set bevels, identify warped razors, and while learning to hone smiling/frowning razors. Also use it when first learning to hone to help develop a nice, even sharpening stroke.