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

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.

+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.)