this might be a dumb question. but has anyone come up with a real test for razor sharpness. aside from shaving with it ?? i realize thats a true test but for someone like myself who doesnt shave every day. the testing could take some time. im not crazy about the hanging hair test. and shaving the hair on my arm is not the same as wiskers. well i guess i answered my own question. but there must be another way to check sharpness. i thaught i had it when the blade seemed to be what i call sticky sharp (to the lightest touch) but that proved wrong..i think ive got the honing down pretty good using the pyramid and i found that holding the 4k/8k in hand on an angle and running the blade corner to corner but running it right off the stone, with a very light touch. and then stropping, the shaves are real good no red face anymore. but im looking for more consistancy in honing. thanks to all. oh when does the junior member turn into senior member ive been around about a year.. :shrug: