Thread: how do you know when you're done with the 8k and/or 12k before you move to strop

let's assume I have a bevel because it's passing the hanging hair test the entire length of blade. How many strokes on 8k before I can move to strop?

Originally Posted by gfro

let's assume I have a bevel because it's passing the hanging hair test the entire length of blade. How many strokes on 8k before I can move to strop?

At that point I'm ready to strop and test shave. If it is good I go on up to 12ki or whatever. If not it is back to 4/8 or the equivalent. An old honemiester once told me that knowing when the razor is 'ready at each stage of the game is the key. Takes a lot of practice to know that without tests we use. Anyway, for a new honer the pyramids are very good because it is a set number of strokes. Not honing and hoping. If the first pyramid doesn't get it you just do another until it is 'there.' IMHO.

Personally, when I think it's ready for a shave I'll do some arm hair shaving and the way it shaves the arm hairs gives me a pretty good idea if I need some more work on the finisher.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Personally, when I think it's ready for a shave I'll do some arm hair shaving and the way it shaves the arm hairs gives me a pretty good idea if I need some more work on the finisher.

Agreed, If it passes the arm hair or HHT, strop & shave test.

Regarding any hair test, be advised that when the hairs are cut, how they react at the moment they are cut is the key to determining how sharp the blade edge is. For my own convenience, I do arm and/or leg hair to check my progress.

If the hairs fly away sideways, this tells me that I am not quite where I need to be as far as sharpness is concerned.

However, if the hairs literally fall straight down and do not fly away sideways, I can reasonably conclude that the edge is very close to perfect. I rely on this observation quite heavily and it has served me well. When the hairs drop straight down when cut at above skin level, that seems to be a benchmark indication that I have achieved a shave ready edge.

At least you are very close to shave ready at that point. Experience will guide you from this point.

As has been mentioned, arm hair test for me but also how it feels on the hone. There are subtle changes that you can see, hear and feel when it gets "there'. Time and experiance will be your guide.