ABA Straight Razor Shaving Techniques 3

Question 1

What is honing a straight razor, and how does it differ from stropping?

Accepted Answer

Honing removes metal to create a new edge; stropping realigns the existing edge

Answer

Honing uses an abrasive stone to grind metal and restore a dull edge, while stropping only realigns the microscopic teeth of an already-sharp edge.

Question 2

Which part of the straight razor blade is used to 'read' the sharpness via the thumb-nail test?

Accepted Answer

The edge

Answer

Gently resting the edge perpendicular on a thumbnail and feeling for 'grab' or 'bite' indicates a sharp edge, while sliding indicates a dull one.

Question 3

When shaving the upper lip area, what facial maneuver helps the barber achieve a close, safe shave?

Accepted Answer

Client pushes upper lip down over teeth to flatten skin

Answer

Pushing the upper lip down over the teeth stretches and flattens the skin beneath the nose, creating a taut surface that the razor can glide across safely.

Question 4

What is the correct way to handle a straight razor when passing it to another person in the barbershop?

Accepted Answer

Closed or wrapped in a towel, handle extended

Answer

A straight razor should always be closed or wrapped before being handed to another person, with the handle extended so they don't grasp the blade.

Question 5

Which whetstone grit range is most appropriate for final finishing and polishing of a straight razor edge?

Accepted Answer

10,000–12,000 grit

Answer

A 10,000–12,000 grit finishing stone polishes the edge to a mirror-like smoothness required for comfortable skin contact.

(ABA) American Barber Association Certified Practice Test

(ABA) American Barber Association Certified Practice Test

ABA Straight Razor Shaving Techniques 3