Thread: Newbie stropper

So I've been struggling with my edge for some time now. I lacked a strop but I didn't think that should be such a big deal.

Well for any of you other newbies out there having trouble...look to the strop. As soon as my strop got back from being fixed and I got a few laps in, my edge was shaving sharp and ready to go.

This may seem obvious to some, but I thought I'd put it out there. Maybe someone can be helped by my foolishness.

I do have a question about the HHT though...I still can't get any razors to pass the HHT even after stropping. It seems like an impossible trick to me...though I know its not. When people do the HHT are they passing off the hones or off the strop?

See, stropping is very important! Glad you have your stropping sorted..!

In terms of the HHT, dont worry about it. Its very subjective and there are umpteen threads on here from people saying "I cant pass the HHT no matter what I do!" and then blasting the razor on the hones to try and get there. All they end up with is loads of spine wear and an overhoned edge...!

I'll give you an example that I've used a couple of times. I have a Boker Edelweisse that I got from SRD and was honed by Lynn, so you KNOW the edge is sharp! Now this razor only passes the HHT for me 50% of the time after I've had a shower. A few hours later and it'll pass it 80% of the time. With my dad it'll do it every time, and a mate of mine cant get it to work, no matter what.

One razor, three people and three different results! My mate who couldnt get it to work could then argue that the razor isnt sharp enough and take it back to the hones. My argument is, just try shaving with it and you'll see its sharp!

People with thicker hair will find the test easier to pass, whereas fine wispy hair just gets pushed aside by the blade. So really dont worry if you cant get it work!

The ONLY real test is the shaving test. If you're getting a good shave then you have a good edge and everything else, from HHT to TPT, is totally irrelevant.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Stubear

If you're getting a good shave then you have a good edge and everything else, from HHT to TPT, is totally irrelevant.

Good luck!

+ 1, What Stubear said. If you're not getting a good shave then you have something to worry about .... BTW, when I do get HHT it has always been after stropping. I do 50 linen and 50 leather as my personal routine.

I want to add a slight nuance to the HHT comments above. Since my comment applies to my hair, (even though I suspect it will be generally applicable to all but the thinnest hair), it might not be useful information. But, maybe it is...

With my hair, the HHT is useful, cutting the hair. But, even when it doesn't cut the hair, by observing the root end of the hair as I'm pulling it down to and then over the blade, I get some important feedback. If it vibrates, I'm close. If it doesn't vibrate, forget it!

The vibration of the hair can be a good indication when you are in the vicinity of sharp, and can provide valuable feedback even when the hair is not cut.

(Remember proviso at top. This might not apply to your hair and procedure.)

First let me say that the shave is the ultimate test.
However, as my honing has improved, so my consistency achieving the HHT has followed. This is by no means a guarantee of a good edge, but i can get some useful guidance from how the edge cuts the hair.
Recently I've been better able to pass the HHT off the hones. I use a BBW, Coticule & Thuringian, so am unlikely to overhone.
Stropping improves the ease with which it passes. If the hair has resistance to the blade, I know my edge could be better. If it pretty much just falls in half, that edge will give me a good shave.

+1 with Stubear as well. You will drive your self crazy with this test. Like the others said if your getting a good comfortable shave then you must be doing something right. Keep it up & enjoy-!!