either test shave or never know if its a smooth shave ready edge, there is no compromise. and most guys who shave with one will not be happy with a face scraper. knife sharpening doesn't rely on saving your face from a poor hone job, sharp is sharp , but smooth and sharp must be learned and that starts with you knowing how to shave yourself. then you may be able to hone one with success,but you really wont know till you can shave well with a straight. Tc