Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
Right off the bat lay off the thumbnail. That is a test reserved for bevel setting and not used again once passed with that particular razor. It can dull a shave ready edge to an extent.
Isnt the thumbnail test(TNT) just dragging the edge over the nail, feeling for consistency in the bite of the razor while it is trying to cut into the nail.
Not: "I also read somewhere you should test a blade by the thumbnail method, and I can shave a piece off a thumbnail without much effort."

To me that sounds like pretty a very harsh test for an edge as fine as a razor, and one that could effect your shave.

With a shave ready razor you should only do the HHT, which for some is considered not a very consistent test atleast not without a bit of experience doing it, or the thumbpad test(TPT). With either one, it will be difficult knowing how to do them, what your looking for, without having a truly shave ready sharp razor in your possesion for reference.

And as others have pointed out, slow down and quit expecting perfection over night, there are a lot of different aspects to shaving which need to all come together before you will get great results.