Thread: Honing Question

Since I started straight razor shaving about four months ago, I've been honing my own razors. About six weeks ago I had a break through, but I'm still not sure if this is correct. Here's the technique:

1. Light pyramids on the Norton 4000/8000
2. 10 to 15 light strokes on a 12,000 grit Shapton with slurry
3. 30 strokes on linen strop, no paste, etc.
4. 50 strokes on leather strop

Here are my concerns. I have four razors and they are all 'shave ready' by my standards. During honing, I can't seem to get any of them to cut a hanging hair. After the linen and leather, they all pass the hanging hair test. I know it seems odd to question a 'shave ready' razor, but is this technique correct? Is there a way to get the blades to pass the hanging hair test with just the stones?

They all shave very well, but "I wonder if I can et them even sharper. Sould I just leave a good thing alone?

Help a newbie out!

Thanks.

It sounds like you are doing everything right and I would not worry about not passing the HHT before the strop. The strop will align the edge which will allow it to cut the hainging hair. Before the edge is aligned with the strop, even a sharp edge might not cut the hair well. Keep up the good work, and remember that the real test is the shave. If you are getting a good close and comfortable shave then the razor is properly honed, end of story.

That sounds right to me, too. Different razors will respond differently to the tests, and different hones produce different edges. I can get edges off my Norton that pass the HHT but don't shave me comfortably; the edges I get off my coticule don't pass the HHT but shave beautifully.

Tests can be a good guide, but they're mainly useful when you're learning or honing up a fresh razor. If it shaves, smile.

Just my opinions.

Josh

these guys are right on with their comments!...BUT you need to realize the so called hht is a joke...I can cut hair off my arm with a steak knife ...its a waste of hair and time...personally I rarely use linen...when I order strops from either tony miller or keith at handamerican I have the strops made with two diff grades of leather ...I do have a seperate strop made up with two different grades of linen but I never use it...after noning on a stone and finishing with paste I may strop 10-20 times on the