Thread: Sharpness Tests Video Examples

Can a toothpick be used instead of a pin?

Yes a toothpick will work,, so will the flat of a thumbnail for the same test..
Just lightly drag the top of yer thumbnail from spine to edge and if it catches at all you have a wire edge...

The TNT picks up all these problems too..

The Blunting would be felt as slide, grab, slide, across the back of the nail...A wire edge can be felt as a very rough ragged grab on the TNT...

I understand there are other established tests for checking the blade. I just appreciated these methods because they required no "feel." I'm a newbie, and to be honest I got a razor honed by SRD and I tried some of those tests, and I thought it was catching a little. It wasn't, the razor shaves perfectly, but I have nothing to compare/contrast to.

wow!..great vid!....thnx for posting

pcdad

Although those tests have a purpose (I don't use tests), there is only one true "test", your face. You might want to read through the honing and restoration forums. I'm sure you will find what you seek...

The reason for the pin instead of a toothpick or thumbnail is the size of the point. The smaller the diameter (sharper) the point, the smaller the wire edge that can be detected.

A dental pick would seem ideal.

Watch out for scratching the blade, though!

Originally Posted by Alethephant

The reason for the pin instead of a toothpick or thumbnail is the size of the point. The smaller the diameter (sharper) the point, the smaller the wire edge that can be detected.

A dental pick would seem ideal.

Watch out for scratching the blade, though!

Exactly the opposite of what you want,,,

The back of the thumbnail trick, actually works way better then either the pin or the toothpick as you don't miss any of the edge... Try it yourself, don't take my word for it, you will see what I mean...