Thread: detail on bevel set shaving test

I've worked bevels until it cuts arm hair all along the edge. One post spoke of using pressure to do so - I've been using no pressure. Is there a consensus on whether or not the bevel set shaving test should use pressure to shave arm hair? How much? None?

Many Thanks, Gents. I appreciate it.

You won't get a consensus from one person, but I start with no pressure and increase until I either cut hair or don't. If I need much pressure, then I am not satisfied with the bevel. If I cut my arm off with no pressure, then I feel like I've established a pretty good bevel.

The less pressure it takes the sharper the bevel. A sharp bevel is a set bevel. A set bevel is a happy bevel.

OK, so bevels dont get happy, but you will be once that baby is set.

I'd always worked w/ the no pressure option. 'Sounds like not all guys do. I would feel better about a bevel that required no pressure. I appreciate your kind help.

I hover the razor over the skin and if it pops my arm hair then the bevel is set and I move on. So I guess I would call that no pressure...lol.

Originally Posted by pinklather

I've worked bevels until it cuts arm hair all along the edge. One post spoke of using pressure to do so - I've been using no pressure. Is there a consensus on whether or not the bevel set shaving test should use pressure to shave arm hair? How much? None?

Many Thanks, Gents. I appreciate it.

Consistent pressure is key.

A razor's cutting edge is thin and pressure will
distort it in unpredictable ways.

If you watch the online videos of razor makers you will see
where a master grinder runs the edge along
a brass thumb protector. He is checking that
the steel is thin and even by watching the flex.

What you are doing sounds like the foundation
of a honing style that will work well for you.

It's different for everybody... You need to find how much it takes for your hair.

A few words of caution here on the AHT...

This test is only a sure fire indication of the bevel being set, it was never actually designed to show how well the bevel is set, and that really was never a concern... If the edge cuts the hair anyway possible, other than using a scything motion (that is cheating) then the bevel is set.. The increase in sharpness comes from honing after that set point...

A TNT is just as effective in testing a bevel but requires a bit more experience and is more of a judgment call, which is why we started using the AHT in the first place...

Also keep in mind that even this test is not foolproof there are people that cannot get a razor to pass with a full shave ready edge...

You do not really want to start trying to push an edge at this low of a grit, once the two bevels meet your done, and the cut hair proves without a doubt the bevels have met...

What I am really saying here is there is no AHT1 or AHT2 etc: etc: there is only it cut the hair, and I am moving upward or onward

I hope that helps a bit in the explination...
Just remember bevel set , sharpen, polish , finish these are the "Steps" you must climb, but climb them, don't try and do them all at 1k

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

I hover the razor over the skin and if it pops my arm hair then the bevel is set and I move on.

That's my method too. (However, I remember my first time on the Naniwa SS 1K and 3/8K stones. I couldn't get a good clean AHT off the bevel. After a while, I gave up and just went ahead to the 3K. Still no luck with the AHT, so I went back to the 1K. Finally, I arrogantly decided that it must be something wrong with the stones, so I just went ahead with the full progression. After the 8K and strop, the razor was slicing good and clean. A little vintage coticule action, and I was in shaving heaven. In other words...hmm...I forgot my point.)

Me

It really depends on the arm hair and the stone you set the bevel with and the person doing the test. In general, you should aim for as little pressure as possible for you, because less pressure should mean a better edge.

But what will shave one person's arm hair with no pressure may require some pressure for someone else and may not even shave the hair for a third person.