Thread: Identifying a convex bevel caused by extensive pasted stropping

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

I always aim for the Shave Test Level 1 (ST-1)

So many things in this hobby are subjective (maybe everything). I see people being scolded for using terms such as buttery smooth or HHT-4 (not saying that's going in here). I don't know why as long as everyone understands that it is subjective to THEM. The HHT for one person may not be true for another. What I am learning is that this is true of shave tests too. What one considers smooth and sharp another calls harsh and dull since it is all relative to experience, contours of the face, beard thickness, technique, ect. An edge that I think is the best ever maybe very harsh down the road after some more experience and harsh to those more experienced and awesome to those who have never had a sharp edge.

Now, if my shave test is calibrated to what I like I can get consistent results using it. Same with a HHT at whatever level. It is all subjective and relevant to the individual at that point in time (see what I did there Glenn?). How do you quantify such things? But when someone says it passed such and such a test whether it's a smooth shave on a shave test or a HHT-5 using a 0-5 scale I know that it is great shave FOR THEM at that point in time (did it again). I think as long as everyone understands that it's all subjective you get the point. Otherwise you can't talk about such things at all. Smooth for you is not always smooth for me but I know you are talking about your edge on your face or your HHT results on your razor. You tell me it passed a shave test for you but what does that mean to me? Nothing except it is a smooth shave for you which is exactly what you are trying to convey.

I am not trying to offend anyone as I appreciate EVERYONES opinion I just think it's time to stop swinging purses gentlemen. YMMV (thought I would throw that in there )