Thread: Is it too difficult?

Originally Posted by deepweeds

A quick question:

It sounds like this is a test one does after stropping, right? We're testing whether the blade is ready to start shaving. That is, this isn't a honing test: specifically, it's not the same as the "thumb pad test" that folks do to test their honing, where the thumb pad is passed lightly across the edge for a "tingly" feel.

Thanks for a great post. Finding ways to simplify the "message" for novice shavers is a great practice.

It is the same exact test. Now, some opinion perhaps, but the TPT should be done after stropping only. This version of the TPT eliminates the worry over damage to your thumb by movement on a sharp blade. The "sticky" feeling described by the TPT process is due to the break of the first layer of skin. Thus, if you become attuned to the break itself there is no longer a need to search for the sticky feeling that it creates.