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I've started honing my own razors and was just wondering how to tell if they're ready to go to the face. While I was at the South East Gathering, Glen demonstrated one way by "popping" hairs off of his arm from just above the skin. I had a razor honed by him (I'm assuming he performed this test on this particular razor) so I tried it. It didn't work on my arm hair. Are there any other ways to tell?
yes take it to the shave. See how it does shave . that is the best test. GL
+1 with Sham
Those tests are developed by each person, the AHT is usually a good indicator, but not always with all people...
You might have to develop a better TPT for your honing, or perhaps a leg hair test who knows Bart has a very detailed HHT that he uses...
As you get farther and farther along in yer honing you will figure out what tests work for you...
The shave test is the only one that is infallible if it doesn't shave then it ain't sharp enough for you yet....
If it won't pop hairs on my forearm I don't even bother. Pop them without touching the skin BTW. :shrug:
+1 to Sham as well.
For me, if I think it's getting close (the whole blade passes the TPT), I will wet a spot on the back of my hand, and give it a small pass.
If the hairs come off pretty easily, Then I will move on to my C12k (~100 passes), and CrOx (50+ passes.)
Like was said, the tests don't work the same way for everyone, you just gotta get a feel for how the blade should feel and which test works best for you. For ME, the HHT, and the "cutting hair 1cm above your arm" test don't work. Even when the razor is very sharp.
I shaved with the razor in question and got a smooth shave with it but it pulled a bit. Not uncomfortably so but from what I've read on here it's not supposed to pull at all. Is that normal? Can I get it to not pull by going up to a 16k or even a 12k?
How is your shaving technque?
Remember stretching skin ,preparation plays a big role?
scything motion (be careful)try this see does it helps? just lightly touch your skin and see what happens.
it seems like your blade is ok condition.
My technique is fine I think. I don't stretch the skin though. I just make funny faces to tighten the skin. I'll give your advice a try, hopefully it makes a difference.
What was the last stone you finished on?
Did you use CrOz after that? If so, how many passes?
What kinda razor is it also?
Too many unknowns here to tell ya for sure, but you seem to be on the right path.
The regulars here rightly tell you that the "shave test" is the test that really counts. And, it's true. A razor might pop hair, but shave poorly. So, what good is passing the hanging hair test. Etc.
All that being said, it is my opinion that there are some somewhat specific tests that will probably get you close to shave ready, if not there...
(1) Does the blade pass the hanging hair test with ease. (More below.)
(2) Are the bevel sides smooth?
(3) Is the edge straight?
In my opinion, if these three pass, you are probably going to be close. And, the final shave test gives the final answer. If it shaves well, then the above provides a reasonable set of ballpark tests. If it doesn't you will have to experiment more.
My proviso on #1 is that there is a wide difference between different people's hair, and on my scalp, (I always use my own), there is a thin variety, and a darker thicker type of hair. Once I had a razor properly honed by Lynn, I took note of how it cut both types of hair. That became a valuable benchmark for my future work on other razors. And, with the cross-check using Lynn's blade, I believe the hanging hair test is useful for me.
(The HHT can be useful, or worthless. Care is required to establish confidence that it is providing you with useful feedback.)
By the way, it would have taken me much longer to start producing reasonably sharp edges if I hadn't purchased the Radio Shack 100x microscope. $12. It gave me wonderful feedback for #2 and #3 above. (The only problem with the shave test is that you can only apply the test once daily.)
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?
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by bulldog
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by bulldog
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