You Can't Make This Stuff Up

[SparkyLB]

I rarely pass a HHT, but can routinely pass a forearm treetop test with at least one hair on the blade (when I have forearm hairs remaining, I also test my knife sharpening by shaving arm hair so there often isn't much there). Concur that the shave test is all that really matters. Also concur that if I can't pop at least one arm hair on a treetop test the shave usually isn't as good as I believe it could be.

this has been my experience too.

 

[Possum092]

My less than two cents is sharp enough is sharp enough. The various tests only serve as an indication the edge is properly prepped for a shave. A super sharp edge can shave horribly, whereas sharp enough can deliver buttery smooth Zen shaves. Super sharp can also translate to more nicks, a grabby edge, and an unforgiving shave. In fact, I routinely tune back the grabby sharpness by finishing on ceramic instead of stone before stropping. Who hasn’t accidentally touched an edge unexpectedly against their face…a super sharp edge has a higher chance of nicking. I stopped going for scary sharp edges years ago and my youthful face is much better for the change.

 

[Mr. Shavington]

So, @SparkyLB did you manage to remove the jimping or did you just leave it? Would be a unique kind of shaving accident if you had gone so far as to set a bevel where the jimping had been. Almost worth doing it for the story, but only almost.

 

[SparkyLB]

Only the jimping on the bottom.