Honed enough?

[pu6486]

Good afternoon,

This is my first post so apologies if it's in the wrong place...

I've recently seen the light and have started to shave using a straight (Dovo Ebony). After some well-meaning, but misleading advice regarding stropping (I was told that at the end of each stroke to rotate the blade on the cutting edge rather than the spine - which I do now ), and two months of daily shaving with the Dovo, which was requiring greater presssure to remove stubble, I thought it about time to get to grips with honing; to my knowledge this is the first honing the razor has received after leaving the factory.

I'm now the proud owner of the ubiquitous Norton 4k/8k. I lapped this today using the glass and wet/dry paper and honed as per the excellent photo-examples on this site. However, after 10 strokes on the 4k and 20 on the 8k, I'm having a little trouble with the tests (TPT, HHT etc.).

(Finally!) My question is this: I've stropped the razor (20 strokes on linen and 30 on leather) and have shaved with it. Its edge is much more keen than before; the tough, lightly-coloured stubble above and below my lip and at the base of my neck came away first time with very little effort. Although I can't get it to cut a hair with the HHT, I believe it's sharp enough. Do you? Or should I perform some more honing with a view to passing these tests?

Cheers,
Phill

[FloppyShoes]

Each one of the edge tests you mentioned has its limitations. I find some of the sharpest blades I've produced will not pass the HHT the first time around. The best test is to shave with it and it looks like your blade passed that test with flying colors. 'Nuf Said

[Thebigspendur]

If the razor shaves properly don't worry about tests. Shaving is the only real test. There should be no pulling or hesitation. The blade should just glide down your face smooth as silk. Watch the 4K its mostly used to reset a bevel. If your razor was new you probably don't need to use it at all. The idea in honing is to use the highest grit and least number of strokes as required. remember your removing metal with every stroke. You don't need to remove more than you have to.

[crankymoose]

Each one of the edge tests you mentioned has its limitations. I find some of the sharpest blades I've produced will not pass the HHT the first time around. The best test is to shave with it and it looks like your blade passed that test with flying colors. 'Nuf Said

If the razor shaves properly don't worry about tests. Shaving is the only real test. There should be no pulling or hesitation. The blade should just glide down your face smooth as silk. Watch the 4K its mostly used to reset a bevel. If your razor was new you probably don't need to use it at all. The idea in honing is to use the highest grit and least number of strokes as required. remember your removing metal with every stroke. You don't need to remove more than you have to.

+1
Phil you got some good advice above and it sounds like you are on your way
Welcome to B&B enjoy

[pu6486]

Good afternoon,

Thanks for the comments. Your wise words are very much appreciated by someone who's just ditched his Mach 3; over-priced junk!.

Phill