I knew somebody was going to say this.

I know what you mean about subtleties with the hair test: I think I've seen all the different responses by now. Sometimes it can be maddening.

So what I really should be doing is herding swarthy Mediterranean men into a cell in my basement, where they'll be standing by with excess stubble at all times.

Thanks again for all the help,
Josh

Quote Originally Posted by mparker762 View Post
Nope . Popping hairs is a proxy for the shave test, and whose utility lies in its speed and ease of using it at the hone more than its accuracy. Once the razor can pop hair this usually just means it's getting close.

There are subtleties to the hair test that you learn over time, like *how* does the hair pop off - a blade that merely topples hair onto the blade is sharper than one that pops them, for instance. There are also issues of how does the hair react if you approach it obliquely (simulating an against-the-grain cut on a flat-lying hair).

The "true" rule is: the razor is sharp enough for a comfortable shave when it's capable of delivering a comfortable shave. But this isn't a terribly useful test while you're hunched over the 4k , so other proxies have been devised that are more helpful if less accurate. But it's the only rule that matters in the end, unless you're willing to dry-shave by popping a hair at a time, in which case I guess the hair test may be pretty accurate.

And you can't really get a comfortable shave from the 4k no matter how sharp it is -- the blade feels harsh and the shave won't be much fun.