am i in denial?

Can't get my str8t (Dovo stainless 41) to pass the HHT, or the thumb pad test, the one where the blade is suppose to bite. In doing the thumb test, it does feel less sharp then it did a couple of weeks ago when I had it pro-honed, so obviously I'm still learning on the strop (only been SR shaving about 2 months)

However,


It shaves great. Not quite BBS, but I'm getting close. No irritation.

So what gives? It fails all those tests but still shaves great. I understand that the shave test is all the counts, but, I'm I shaving with a dull razor? Is that bad?

The shave is the critical issue. Razors have a long, deep, extensive, slow, dulling period between the ultimate in sharpness and the end of good shaving. That period is probably around 60 shaves. After the first two or three shaves it may have more trouble getting to the TPT or HHT.

You'll need to learn some slightly more effective stropping work to consistently get the edge to the TPT test, but its not worth searching for too hard.

So big deal, you're not so good at those tests yet, you're getting great shaves and that's what really counts.

HHT is a poor indicator of how a blade will shave, and clearly you do not know what you are feeling for with the TPT.

The Shave is the true test....

If the shave is good that is the important thing. If you have a DE or single edge (like a Gem) blade around you can practice the TPT to get the idea of what you're looking for. That is what Randydance told me to do and how I began to get the feel for it. As far as HHT, sometimes I like the shave better out of a razor that won't HHT than one that will.

although I don't hone yet, allow me to back up what the pros have already posted (more specifically what Xman said)...

I have a dovo from SRD and honed by Lynn (on two occasions). Both times I got this blade in the mail it did not pass HHT, yet shaved like a dream.

So do you think the issue is with Lynn's world renowned skills with a hone or my novice execution of the HHT test?

I may not hone yet but I've read enough post to know that the true test is in the shave.

what have been said before me i agree 100%.my question to you is this do you know how shave ready razor feels like. I have seen a lot questions about shave ready blade and unfortunately people shaves years sometimes before getting real shave ready blade.

This is why alot of people here recommend that new guys stay away from these tests until they know what they are looking for.

The TNT and TPT should be avoided, as its possible to damage a good edge and/or cut yourself badly. As Jimmy says, try them out with a DE blade until you know what you're looking for.

The HHT is a real problem for a lot of people. Its totally subjective and depends on the hair thickness, how clean the hair is and where you touch it on the blade (root or tip).

When I got my Boker Edelweisse from SRD it passed the HHT for me about 60% of the time. It worked for my dad every time and not at all for a friend of mine. One razor and three different results. But I tell you this, it shaves like a champion...!

The ONLY test that matters is the shave test. If you can get a smooth, comfortable shave with no irritation and a good result then that edge is good. Dont worry about the tests, all they do is muddy the water.

Dont get me wrong, they're useful tests when honing and can be used to assess an unfamiliar edge. But the temptation is to go and blast the razor on the hones to achieve some mythical level of sharpness, when all you end up doing at best is nothing at all, and at worst overhoning or dulling the razor.

If it shaves good, it is good.

Im able to hone till i pass the HHT now but that dont mean the blade will shave well