What is the hair test and how do I perform it?
You have sharpened your straight razor (or had it sharpened) and want to check if it is sharp enough? Then you are in the right place. There are several methods to test the sharpness of a straight razor. The safest method is simply to shave with it. If it is comfortable and removes the hair, it is sharp.
Another method is the hair test. How to perform it is shown in the following video, which you should watch now.
It is important to mention that you should perform the test on human hair. Animal hair or synthetic fibers are different from your hair and will not give you a reliable result.
This video is available for free in the Straight Razor Academy.
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What happens next?
Does the razor need sharpening?
You should first check whether your straight razor actually needs sharpening or if stropping is enough. Learn how to do this here…
To the instructionsIs it properly sharpened?
Sharpening a straight razor yourself is fantastic. It's a skill you can really use well in your workshop or even kitchen. Learn how to sharpen a straight razor here…
To the instructionsIs it properly stropped?
After sharpening, you should strop the blade. This aligns the burr in the cutting direction and ensures perfect sharpness. Learn how to strop a blade here…
To the instructions