Thread: Sharpness tests for hone progression

IMHO the only true test for me is how the razor feels as I shave with it. I've seen lots of pictures of a hair being dropped on a blade but that does not give me the information that is useable. I say away from the edge of my razor unless my ugly mug has been properly prepared with lather so I can use my razor to shave it.

So, I can use each stone, running various tests every 20 laps or so. Keep using the same stone as long as there is improvement. When there is no more improvement, note the test results for future reference, and proceed to the next stone.

On the next honing session, work each stone to reproduce test results from the previous session.

FWIW, in my brief history of learning to hone, I have made a few observations that may or may not be helpful. First off, there is no "real" answer to any honing question, only what others have had luck/success with, as the variables are too many to count. So what you need to focus on is learning with what you have. Honing falls into 2 parts. First you set the bevel (make your razor sharp), then on the 4/8k range you work on polishing and refining that edge.
Here are a few things that I find helpful when honing.
Setting the bevel is THE MOST important step. depending on your razors condition this may take LOTS of time and LOTS of pressure. Do not be afraid to do this. as the bevel gets dialed in, shave your arm hair frequently, from dull to sharp you will notice it beginning to feel and cut differently, like so:
Dull-
-glides over hair, not really cutting, more like pushing them down, keep honing
-then will glide over hair and catch a few, keep honing
-will cut more hair and start to feel scratchy on your skin, keep honing,
-hairs will cut with less effort,keep honing.
-then hairs will cut easily (but still with SOME effort, they wont just fall down), scratchyness feels less, and the blade will bite a bit in the skin if angled too much.
At this point check the entire lenght of the blade for cutting performance. If it is the same across the board, the bevel is set. use your thumb pad. the blade will bite when pulled accross, and may also feel a bit coarse (this is ok, and important to note for later) move up to 4K.
Towards the end of the 4k, the coarse feeling of the blade will be replaced by a smooth feeling but with the same amount of bite, hairs will cut more easily, and will start coming off in clumps...
at this point its a matter (IMHO) of playing a bit back and forth between the 4K and 8K.
Try to notice how the blade feels on the stones. a few things to look for are, is there suction between the bevel and the stone? (good) Is the blade undercutting the water on the stone (i.e. you can see water coming up from the stone onto the blade with every stroke?) - good!,
Finally, Remember, by the time you get to the 8K, you are not "forcing" the balde to be sharp, you are coaxing it into being sharp, you are gently asking, pleading, beggin it to get sharp. The second you think you can "make" it sharp, you are using too much pressure and are working against yourself. GENTLE, that is the key.
by the time you are done on the 8k, you sould be able to hover the blade above your skin, say 1/16 of an inch, and as you do a stroke (again, with blade NOT touching skin) you will feel hair cutting, and it will almost "jump" over the blade as it is cut-- not every hair will cut, but enough to go, "yeah, it's cutting them".
All of this of course depends on your arm hair.... this is just what I have noticed. Remember to always check that it is acting consistantly across the entire edge of the blade, becasue if it is not, you need to spend more time on a particular hone.
Finally, in the end, it will probably just "click". There is no easy answer, and no amount of reading will substitute good old fashioned time at the stones and cafreful observation of how what you are doing either makes the balde sharper, or more dull.
Best of luck, and with a bit of practice and patience you will be there in no time.

Originally Posted by time2shave

So, I can use each stone, running various tests every 20 laps or so. Keep using the same stone as long as there is improvement. When there is no more improvement, note the test results for future reference, and proceed to the next stone.

On the next honing session, work each stone to reproduce test results from the previous session.

That is along the lines of what I recommend until you have calibrated your tests and know what you are looking for on each hone.

What a great post, Cheeks! Seriously. That hit the right points.

Originally Posted by Cheeks

... Remember to always check that it is acting consistently across the entire edge of the blade ...

This is important too, at all stages of honing. You often hear that the only test is the shave test. I believe that phrase is used too liberally, and without qualification. Depending on how I shave, I might get a great shave with a blade that is only sharp on 1/3 of the blade edge.

You need to "check it consistently across the entire edge." And, you can't do that very well with the shave test. Besides, that test is at the end of the process. You need to check the edge all along the edge multiple times in multiple ways.

Not to be argumentative, but I would say if you only shave with 1/3 of the blade, you are only shave testing that 1/3 of the blade.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Not to be argumentative, but I would say if you only shave with 1/3 of the blade, you are only shave testing that 1/3 of the blade.

True.

Just one comment in reply, for this could wander away for the thread topic. But, I've honed quite a few razors sent me by guys who felt that their blades were dull. But, an inch along the heel or more is still quite sharp. But, the portion of the blade they used was dulled.

But, redfaced, I will admit that my "1/3 of the blade good" statement was an exaggeration to make a point. Won't do it again...

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

True.

Just one comment in reply, for this could wander away for the thread topic. But, I've honed quite a few razors sent me by guys who felt that their blades were dull. But, an inch along the heel or more is still quite sharp. But, the portion of the blade they used was dulled.

But, redfaced, I will admit that my "1/3 of the blade good" statement was an exaggeration to make a point. Won't do it again...

Aw heck, holli4 said he wouldn't be argumentative, so you're off the hook; argue away.

I like Cheeks post. I think he included many statements that have wandered through my brain, and probably others, while razors were on the hones.

Nice post Cheeks.

Thanks, Cheeks. Your post is one of the more practical summaries I've read so far that's written in language that fellow newbies can appreciate and understand. Thanks for your contribution.