Thread: Can stropping by itself make a razor pass the HHT?

I'm just wondering what the magic trick is. I can hone (Norton 4/8 K) and paddle strop (only 1.0 diamond at this point) my razor so that it cuts arm hairs really well but I just can't seem to get it HHT sharp. What is the deal? Will stropping make that much of a difference? Thanks.

The HHT doesn't work for everyone. It all
depends on your hair type. I use the hair
from my goatee and it works good. I've also
used the hair from my chest with success.
The hair you're using may be too fine to work.
You may be able to shave great with the blade
but not pass the HHT from your head.

John

Originally Posted by alpinmack

I'm just wondering what the magic trick is. I can hone (Norton 4/8 K) and paddle strop (only 1.0 diamond at this point) my razor so that it cuts arm hairs really well but I just can't seem to get it HHT sharp. What is the deal? Will stropping make that much of a difference? Thanks.

Maybe your razor is still not as sharp as you think that it is. I can make my pocket knives easily shave arm hair off a 1K stone. Do you have a honemeister edge to compare the tests to including the "shave test"?

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Maybe your razor is still not as sharp as you think that it is. I can make my pocket knives easily shave arm hair off a 1K stone. Do you have a honemeister edge to compare the tests to including the "shave test"?

No. I'm one of those stubborn newbies who want to do it themselves. And yes, I've heard from everyone that I should have a perfect edge to start with. I know, but I still want to do for myself first. I guess that means I don't have a good excuse huh?

Originally Posted by alpinmack

No. I'm one of those stubborn newbies who want to do it themselves. And yes, I've heard from everyone that I should have a perfect edge to start with. I know, but I still want to do for myself first. I guess that means I don't have a good excuse huh?

hmm, this sounds a lot like me, when I started not long ago. To your comfort, I did manage to get a shave ready edge by my self, but in the clear light of hindsight(?) it may have been to some help to have a benchmark edge to compare to.

Originally Posted by alpinmack

No. I'm one of those stubborn newbies who want to do it themselves. And yes, I've heard from everyone that I should have a perfect edge to start with. I know, but I still want to do for myself first. I guess that means I don't have a good excuse huh?

Then I am sure that it could be sharper.

Yes, stropping can make it pass the HHT.

I guess that it would be easy enough to find out for yourself right?

I agree with Alan. Stropping will improve your razor's response to all The Standard Sharpness Tests.

X

Originally Posted by alpinmack

I'm just wondering what the magic trick is.

The magic trick is the doing the whole shebang correctly. Stopping is just the last step -- it is very important, and improper stopping with too much pressure can certainly dull a well-honed blade. My best luck comes with gentle honing and gentle stopping.

E