Thread: Testing an edge

Sorry, one last question!
When honing a razor, should the blade be stropped before testing the edge or should it be subjected to the various tests straight off the stone?

Your choice, based on your expectations. The thumb pad test should be done post stropping though. Other tests are probably more germain if you do them pre-stropping.

Well I keep doing pyramids on my razor. I'm being very light but after 2 or 3 pyramids, the razor still won't pass a HHT. It'll only JUST pass it after stropping. Maybe I need to be even lighter? I'll have a play around!

It's interesting starting to see the other side of straight shaving. Since looking at another razor more closely, it seems it is slightly warped so that the blade doesn't lie flat on one side. I wouldn't mind so much if that was the ebay special, but unfortunately it's one of my Dovos. Kind of reinforces the idea of taking the hone with you when buying these things to make sure they really are flat!

Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were refering to one test in particular.

Ofcourse lap the stone first.

To achieve the HHT you have to have the right hair and the right touch. I prefer to use a slow hone like say an 8K and use no pressure. I do repeated perfect strokes which took a long time to perfect. As I mention all too often I'm sure:

Each side the exact same angle, length, and downward x pattern drop.

Over and over and over again, using no pressure.

In the beginning you can use a little pressure to clear out the bevel then release the pressure until you get to no pressure.

Keep your thumb and index finger on opposing sides of the shank and your pinky curled under the scale.

Test after say every 30 strokes.

Although the 8K Norton is wicked slow, keep telling yourself; "Its still a hone and if I'm patient the metal will be removed" At some point, the bevel will become so tight it'll cut a hanging hair effortlessly.

I prefer to use my arm hair because I want to ensure the entire edge chops down hair at once.

If this fails add one 4K stroke and start over again.

This takes time to learn and understand but being able to make a razor, any razor, pass the HHT is an important step in learning to hone. Again, you also have to find the right hair.