Thread: How do I tell if my razor is ready for a shave test?

You need to pull skin in oposite direction in order to shave for best results face pulling con bined with skin pulling taught skin is what you need if it still pulls its not sharp. I use tpt when that feels good i then try shave leg hair or arm hair if it shaves i finish honing and alittle paste then strop i then do hht if it passes no dout the razor will shave may be not as smooth as i'd like i just test shave and judge if it glides round my chin its a 10 for me those are the ares that will tell you how sharp your blade is tash and chin area cheeks seem to shave easier.

I've got it popping arm and leg hair just an eighth of an inch above the skin. Still pulls a little though. Haven't tried stretching the skin yet. Getting ready to though. (I'll let you know how it goes) The razor is a hen & rooster. 8k finishing stone and no paste. Beard prep: I splash with the hottest water my water heater can muster then lather with C.O. Bigalow shave cream. It's off to shave to see how much of a difference pulling the skin makes. Maybe there will be no pulling and no irritation afterward.

I've got one of those H&R razors and it is a good 'un. Skin stretching is essential but beard prep is very important too.

A splash with hot water isn't enough IME. Taking the lead from a pro barber I got a shave from 40 years ago I wash my face vigorously ...... that means with pressure ..... get mad at those whiskers.

I do that twice, usually along with a shower but twice in any case. Wash, rinse, wash rinse. Then I lather. Try that along with the skin stretching and I'll bet you'll see better results.

We all have different whiskers and skin so what is good for the goose ain't necessarily good for the gander but prep is right up there with skin stretching for a comfortable shave.

Ok, so I just got finished with today's shave. Stretching the skin made a big difference. I think I need to lower the blade angle though. Could that be part of the problem?

Originally Posted by bulldog

Ok, so I just got finished with today's shave. Stretching the skin made a big difference. I think I need to lower the blade angle though. Could that be part of the problem?

As a friend of mine was fond of pointing out, the whole is the sum of it's parts. So yes it all plays a part. Experiment with that too as it does make a difference. Eventually you'll find what works for you.

Originally Posted by bulldog

Ok, so I just got finished with today's shave. Stretching the skin made a big difference. I think I need to lower the blade angle though. Could that be part of the problem?

Many of us use a quite low blade angle at some locations, during some of the shaving action. For me, when shaving the really tough stretches, my blade is almost laying on my skin the first pass.

The sharper the blade, the less good technique is required and just the opposite. When sharpening my blade, I know if its sharp enough just by the very light feel on my thumb or middle finger pad.

Generally, a sharp blade should feel like it is ready to take the hair off your arm with little effort. So if you do not have experience with this, give it a try. Also on the HHT, a sharp blade cuts through the hair easily vs. a non sharp blade needs more effort. Ultimately, the shave test is the truest test.

Yes, good face prep, skin stretch, and a good angle will give you a good shave. But you also need to know your face and know what directions to shave give you the best and efficient shave. All of this takes time and experience.

keep shaving and keep reading the SRP Wiki.

Good Luck!

Pabster