Thread: razor sharpness test

how are yall doing? i was trying to figure out a pretty easy way to tell the sharpness of my razor. i couldn't find anything in the wiki on how to do any kind of sharpness test. i know its supposed to be common knowledge, but i gotta learn it somewhere. any help?

thank you

Sharpness tests explained - Straight Razor Place Wiki

was that what you were looking for?

it sure is! i guess i just had a blind eye to it and looked right past it. i appreciate it.

Originally Posted by tellburkett

how are yall doing? i was trying to figure out a pretty easy way to tell the sharpness of my razor. i couldn't find anything in the wiki on how to do any kind of sharpness test. i know its supposed to be common knowledge, but i gotta learn it somewhere. any help?

thank you

Here is the tutorial on sharpness tests in the SRP Wiki. Keep in mind that these tests are meant to be used when honing a razor. For general use the shave is the test. A TNT (thumb nail test) is for bevel setting and once passed is not repeated with that razor. The TPT , (thumb pad test) is utilized from there on out. To get the feel of the TPT a new DE (double edge) or single edge safety razor blade is good to practice with.

The HHT (hanging hair test) is fine if you pass but if you don't that doesn't mean the razor isn't shave ready. It only means it won't cut a hanging hair. If you're not honing the razor then the shave is the basic test. IME .....

thank you gentlemen. that was a big help

As of yesterday, there is also an entry in the Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki for this.

Regards,
Robin

I just happened to write about your exact problem in last months Beginners tips...


http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2010-a.html

Hi - tangential question with regards to the TPT - Is the feel of a disposable surgical scalpel blade a good analogue for a DE blade when comparing sharpness with a straight razor?

Surgical blades are the only thing I have with which to draw a comparison, I imagine their just as, if not sharper than DE blades?

Thanks!

I've done the TPT on both DE blades and surgical blades. They felt comparable to me.

I would like to add my two bits to the wiki blurb's section on the hanging hair test (HHT.) Even if the razor doesn't cut the hair, the HHT still can give good feedback on your edge. When performing the HHT, drag the hair over the blade edge and watch the tip of the hair. When a razor is dull, the end makes little motion. As the edge becomes thinner and thinner, the end of the hair vibrates more. Finally, it will become sharp enough to cut the hair.

But, again, the vibration before it starts to cut is related to the sharpness of the blade, and can give you good feedback.

And, remember, with the HHT everything anyone says might or might not apply to your hair and technique. However, the above should apply in most instances.