Thread: Touching the edge

Originally Posted by fccexpert

I run my thumbpad over the edge everytime I hone one of my razors, it's called the thumbpad test. I don't "pluck" it what ever that is. If he did not cut his thumb by running it over the edge very aggressively, it must not have been very sharp.

It's hard to describe what he did, that's the only term I can think of. Imagine the blade, his thumb was on top of the blade ,finger steadying it, then he makes a grabbing and flicking motion.

And tbh, I don't know if he cut himself or not. It didn't bleed but I didn't think cutting a finger with callouses would. Who knows, i'll have to wait and see to determine its integrity.

Edit: He did mention that it was "very sharp" but I don't think he used enough pressure and a side to side motion to cut himself. Combined with tough skin who knows. I'll check it out under a microscope, and then take appropriate action. Be that simply stropping or a barbers hone, thanks for the help guys.

I'll take a look for you if you want? I'm near Oxford. I'm no honemiester, but i can get a decent edge apparently. I'm very happy to if it put's your mind at ease. Did that come from Steve? He may even be prepared to take a look himself under the circumstances, if it did. Let me know if i can help though mate.

`Plucking' or applying sideways force to the edge
will likely dull the razor to the point of shaving
very poorly, or not at all. I once accidentally did
this against my palm while shaving and the edge
needed to go back to the 4/8k hones.

I think it would be prudent to get your razor to
a honemeister before shaving.

- Scott

Why not peek at the edge with a magnifying glass?

Your edge might not be damaged at all.

If you see little nibbles taken from the edge or something inconsistent like a rolled edge ... well, take it from there.

Stropping probably wont hurt the edge unless the technique is poor.